scholarly journals Provision of Vitamin A Through Utilization of Local Food Materials in Rural Parts of Western Kenya

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (13) ◽  
pp. 02-16
Author(s):  
Kennedy Shiundu ◽  
◽  
S Oyie ◽  
M Kumbe ◽  
R Oniang'o
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

High prevalence and the negative consequences of the deficiencies resulting from inadequate intake of iron, iodine and vitamin A have resulted in focused global efforts to alleviate them. Vitamin A deficiency which has serious consequences can be prevented by consumption of vitamin A rich foods. This study was undertaken to determine the viability of locally available foods in providing vitamin A to the impoverished populations in rural areas of Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Butere-Mumias District of Western Province, Kenya from December 2003 to February 2004. The study compared the potential contribution of local foods to the provision of vitamin A, to the diets of children aged 12-71 months in the two divisions of Butere and Khwisero, as based on the Helen Keller International (HKI) method. Vitamin A rich foods consumed in the two study areas are dark green leafy vegetables, kales, papaya margarine, orange/yellow fleshed sweet potatoes, eggs and ripe mangoes. Butere and Khwisero divisions where the study was conducted are adjacent to each other. Butere division had an ongoing nutrition intervention project to promote African leafy vegetables, while Khwisero division did not. Of the 16 clusters surveyed, consumption of vitamin A was insufficient in the six of the eight communities in Butere, and three of the eight communities, in Khwisero. The frequency of consumption of vitamin A-rich foods in the study area fell below the threshold values of the HKI Method. Consumption of these foods was not regular as planting was done on an ad hoc basis especially in Khwisero division in areas which were not reached by the on-going campaign in the Butere division. Vitamin A deficiency was most likely a public health problem in the two divisions. This study recommends increased activities in the area to control vitamin A deficiency, prophylactic vitamin A supplementation and efforts to increase vitamin A consumption.

scholarly journals Community Assessment of Availability, Consumption, and Cultural Acceptability of Food Sources of (PRO)Vitamin A: Toward the Development of a Dietary Intervention among Preschool Children in Rural Burkina Faso

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance P. Nana ◽  
Inge D. Brouwer ◽  
Noel-Marie Zagré ◽  
Frans J. Kok ◽  
Alfred S. Traoré
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables

Background Vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem in Burkina Faso and elsewhere in the developing world. Dietary diversification is a promising strategy that needs to be explored to strengthen the country's ongoing supplementation program. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify locally available and acceptable (pro)vitamin A–rich foods to be included in a dietary intervention addressing vitamin A deficiency in children aged six months to three years. Methods A food ethnographic study combining recall methods, observation, and focused group discussion was conducted in the dry and rainy seasons. Thirty-five mother–child pairs were randomly selected and included in the study. Results The dietary pattern of children was characterized by low diversity with extremely low energy and vitamin A intake in both seasons. The study identified the availability of numerous (pro)vitamin A–rich foods, but these foods are either not consumed or consumed by few in low amounts and/or in low frequencies. The main constraining factors identified are related to financial accessibility (for liver), seasonal availability (for egg, milk, mango, papaya, and green leafy vegetables), and beliefs related to consumption and preparation (for green leafy vegetables). However, the study also revealed that the study population associated all identified (pro)vitamin A–rich foods with positive attributes such as health, strength, and vitamin richness, which might offer an entry point for designing and implementing dietary interventions. Conclusions Based on the findings of this formative research, intervention strategies with mango and liver are proposed to improve the vitamin A intake and status of children in the rural areas of Burkina Faso.

scholarly journals SEANUTS: the nutritional status and dietary intakes of 0.5–12-year-old Thai children

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (S3) ◽  
pp. S36-S44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nipa Rojroongwasinkul ◽  
Kallaya Kijboonchoo ◽  
Wanphen Wimonpeerapattana ◽  
Sasiumphai Purttiponthanee ◽  
Uruwan Yamborisut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Rural Children ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Serum Retinol

In the present study, we investigated nutritional status and health-related factors in a multistage cluster sample of 3119 Thai urban and rural children aged 0·5–12·9 years. In a subsample, blood samples were collected for the measurement of Hb, transferrin receptor, vitamin A and vitamin D concentrations. The prevalence of stunting and underweight was higher in rural children than in urban children, whereas the wasting rate was similar in both rural and urban areas. Among children aged 3·0–5·9 years, the prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas and so was the obesity rate in children aged 6·0–12·9 years. Protein intakes of all age groups were relatively high in both the areas. Intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and vitamin C were significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The prevalence of anaemia in rural areas was twice as high as that in urban areas, particularly in infants and young children. However, the prevalence of Fe-deficiency anaemia was similar in both urban and rural areas. While the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (by serum retinol cut-off < 0·7 μmol/l) seemed to be very low, vitamin A insufficiency (by serum retinol cut-off < 1·05 μmol/l) was more prevalent (29·4–31·7 %) in both the areas. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency ranged between 27·7 and 45·6 % among the children. The present study indicates that the double burden of malnutrition is still a major public health problem in Thailand. Further studies need to explore the associated risk factors for these nutrient deficiencies. Effective strategies and actions are needed to tackle the nutritional problems in Thai children.

scholarly journals National immunisation days and vitamin A distribution in Mali: has the vitamin A status of pre-school children improved?

2003 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
JF Schémann ◽  
A Banou ◽  
D Malvy ◽  
A Guindo ◽  
L Traore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Mass Distribution ◽  
School Children ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
National Immunisation ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjective:The impact on vitamin A status of the distribution of vitamin A during national immunisation days (NIDs) has not been well established despite strong promotion by international agencies and donors. Using a pre–post design, the change in prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was examined in pre-school children in Mali.Design:Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Mopti region, the first in March 1997 before this strategy was adopted and the second in March 1999, four-and-a-half months after a mass distribution of vitamin A during NIDs.Subjects and setting:We compared the vitamin A status of children aged 12 to 66 months targeted in 1999 by NIDs with the status of children in the same age group in 1997. Infectious events of the previous two weeks were concurrently recorded. Within the 1999 sample, the status of recipient and non-recipient children was also compared.Results:In 1997, the prevalence of xerophthalmia (defined by the presence of night blindness and/or Bitot spots) was 6.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.1–9.2) and the modified retinol dose response (MRDR) test proved abnormal in 77.8% of 12–66-month-old children (95% CI 68.27–85.17). In 1999 this picture had improved significantly, both for xerophthalmia prevalence, 3.3% (95% CI 2.1–5.2), and abnormal MRDR test response, 63.1% (95% CI 54.25–71.23). The infectious morbidity rates between 1997 and 1999 tended to decrease. No significant improvement was found among children older than those targeted by NIDs. In 1999, children who received vitamin A had a lower risk for xerophthalmia (3.0% for recipients vs. 8.7% for non-recipients) and experienced fewer infectious events.Conclusions:The clinical and biological vitamin A status of pre-school children improved between 1997 and 1999. Mass distribution of vitamin A appears to reduce the occurrence of xerophthalmia and would seem to be associated with a decrease in other related illnesses. Vitamin A supplementation during NIDs should be given a high priority when vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem.

scholarly journals Factors influencing the uptake of pulse vitamin A supplementation among children in a rural area in India: a cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Vinod K. Ramani ◽  
Anand Lakshman
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin A Supplementation ◽  
Factors Influencing

Background: The change in strategy of India’s National Program for the prevention and control of nutritional blindness due to Vitamin A deficiency during 2006, aims for all children aged 9 months to 5 years to receive biannual pulse dose of Vitamin A with a total nine mega doses of Vitamin A. Micronutrient initiative (MI) was providing technical assistance to the State Health department of Karnataka in implementing the new bi-annual strategy, in partnership with UNICEF during the period 2006 to 2010.Methods: During July 2006, the Investigator evaluated its coverage in Gulbarga district. This study assessed the factors influencing the uptake of pulse Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) among children from impoverished background. Using oral questionnaires, a total of 30 Parents (Mothers) of these children, 12 childcare workers (AWWs), 12 peripheral health workers (ANMs) were interviewed regarding barriers towards implementing this Program and assessment of the facilities (12 Anganwadi centres) were conducted.Results: Only 28% of the facility had some IEC display regarding VAS. 75% of ANMs were aware that either green leafy vegetables or fish or fruits are the main source of micronutrients. A similar number of ANMs knew that Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness, >90% of AWW had informed parents about the program during the monthly mother meetings. <20% of parents were aware of the current pulse VAS program and a similar number were aware of the next round of supplementation.Conclusions: Regular interaction with families, monitoring the activities of field level health workers and supportive supervision will enable uptake of VAS Program. Future action should prioritize sub-district level units – blocks and villages, with higher concentration of poor households.

scholarly journals Utilization of vitamin A supplementation services in high priority districts of Bihar

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
Nivedita Sinha ◽  
Rajesh R. Sinha ◽  
Ajay Krishna ◽  
Rashmi Singh
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin A Supplementation ◽  
Ultimate Outcome

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major preventable public health problem. Prevalence of VAD in preschool children was 5.7% (India), and 4.5% (Bihar). India is implementing biannual Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) since 2007 along with 80 other countries. VAS was originally proposed as a short term measure, followed by dietary improvement. Since vulnerability to VAD is more in high priority districts (HPDs), it was deemed worthwhile to study the extent to which VAS programme is utilized in the 10 HPDs of Bihar with respect to the processes involved and the ultimate outcome of empowering the community with knowledge and capacity to combat VAD on their own.Methods: Cross sectional observational study conducted in 6 randomly selected blocks and 5 session sites per block of the 10 HPDs. 300 sites sampled for processes and 893 caregivers interviewed for their knowledge.Results: Out of 300 sites, 269 sites found functional, 30.85% sites had due lists and 30.11% had MCP cards; 20.44% had adequate VA. IEC displayed at 52.78% and 71.3% sessions conducted in shade. In 79.55% sites efforts made to determine age of child before administration. Correct use of recommended spoon known to 80.66%, benefits of VA to 76.57% and diseases due to VAD to 81.7% of FLWs. Knowledge regarding VA good in 33.4% of caregivers, average in 35.5%, and poor in 30.9%.Conclusions: Crucial gaps found in necessary inputs and conduct of VAS. Community knowledge found lacking for sustainable programme withdrawal. Better programme management will improve utilization. 

scholarly journals Assessment of immunization Status of Children between 12-23 months in Bareilly District

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hari S Joshi ◽  
Rakesh Gupta ◽  
Arun Singh ◽  
Vipul Mahajan
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Immunization Status ◽  
Rural And Urban

Objectives: To assess the immunization status of children in the age group 12-23 months and to know the reasons for non-immunization of children. Method: -  A cross-sectional survey was conducted using WHO’s thirty cluster sampling technique in rural and urban areas of Bareilly district from August 2008 to January 2009. Rural areas were divided into blocks and blocks were divided into villages. Urban areas were divided into wards. Villages and wards were taken as clusters. During the house-to-house survey, a total of 240 children of age 12-23 months were included in the present study. Result:  only around 50% of children were fully immunized while 27.5% were partially and 22.5 % were not immunized at all. Immunization coverage was highest for BCG (62.5%) and lowest for measles (39.2%). Dropout rates were 37.3%, 19.7% and 18.2% for BCG to measles, DPT1 to DPT3 and OPV1 to OPV3 respectively. Vitamin A prophylaxis showed a decline from 38.3 % to 16.7%. Amongst the various reasons for not immunizing the child, the most common in both rural (78.7%) and urban areas (28.6%) was lack of awareness for the need of vaccination. However in rural areas lack of availability of services (87.2%) was the major cause for not immunizing the child. Conclusion: The present study shows a low coverage of immunization and Vitamin A prophylaxis in both rural and urban areas. Important reasons for non-immunization were lack of awareness about vaccination and availability of immunization services in rural areas and urban areas.Key Words: Immunization coverage; Children between 12-23 months; Vitamin A Prophylaxis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i2.5091 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1 (2):47-50

scholarly journals Prevalence of ocular signs and subclinical vitamin A deficiency and its determinants among rural pre-school children in India

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 568-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avula Laxmaiah ◽  
Madhavan K Nair ◽  
Nimmathota Arlappa ◽  
Pullakhandam Raghu ◽  
Nagalla Balakrishna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
School Children ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ocular Signs

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the magnitude and determinants of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and coverage of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) among pre-school children.DesignA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out by adopting a multistage, stratified, random sampling procedure.SettingRural areas of eight states in India.SubjectsPre-school children and their mothers were covered.ResultsA total of 71 591 pre-school children were clinically examined for ocular signs of VAD. Serum retinol concentrations in dried blood spots were assessed in a sub-sample of 3954 children using HPLC. The prevalence of Bitot spots was 0·8 %. The total ocular signs were significantly higher (P < 0·001) among boys (2·6 %) compared with girls (1·9 %) and in older children (3–4 years) compared (P < 0·001) with younger (1–2 years), and were also high in children of labourers, scheduled castes and illiterate mothers. The odds of having Bitot spots was highest in children of scheduled caste (OR = 3·8; 95 % CI 2·9, 5·0), labourers (OR = 2·9; 95 % CI 2·1, 3·9), illiterate mothers (OR = 2·7; 95 % CI 2·2, 2·3) and households without a sanitary latrine (OR = 5·9; 95 % CI 4·0, 8·7). Subclinical VAD (serum retinol level <20 μg/dl) was observed in 62 % of children. This was also relatively high among scheduled caste and scheduled tribe children. The rate of coverage of VAS was 58 %.ConclusionsThe study revealed that VAD is a major nutritional problem and coverage of VAS was poor. The important determinants of VAD were illiteracy, low socio-economic status, occupation and poor sanitation. Strengthening the existing VAS programme and focused attention on dietary diversification are essential for prevention of VAD.

scholarly journals Magnitude of Maternal Anaemia in Rural Burkina Faso: Contribution of Nutritional Factors and Infectious Diseases

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Nicolas Meda ◽  
Malik Coulibaly ◽  
Yacouba Nebie ◽  
Ibrahima Diallo ◽  
Yves Traore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health District ◽  
Maternal Anaemia

Background. Maternal anaemia is a worldwide public health problem affecting particularly developing countries. In Burkina Faso, little data is available for rural areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of maternal anaemia and the risk factors associated with it in the rural health district of Hounde in Burkina Faso but also to define better control measures of maternal anaemia.Methods. This cross-sectional study conducted in 2010 had a sample of 3,140 pregnant women attending antenatal care in all the 18 primary health care facilities of the district. The women’s characteristics and their knowledge about contraceptives and sexually transmitted infections (STI) were collected. Also, physical and gynaecological examination, completed by vaginal, cervix, blood, and stool samplings, were collected.Results. A prevalence of 63.1% was recorded for maternal anaemia. Geophagy rate was 16.3% and vitamin A deficiency 69.3%. In addition, anaemia was independently associated with low education, low brachial perimeter, geophagy, and primigravida. But no statically significant relationship was found between maternal anaemia and infectious diseases or vitamin A deficiency.Conclusion. The magnitude of maternal anaemia was found to be higher in rural Hounde health district and should be addressed by adequate policy including education and the fight against malnutrition.

scholarly journals Maternal Vitamin A Deficiency during Pregnancy and Its Relation with Maternal and Neonatal Hemoglobin Concentrations among Poor Egyptian Families

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Hamdy ◽  
M. M. Abdel Aleem ◽  
A. A. El-Shazly
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin A Supplementation ◽  
Term Newborns

Background. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy represents a major public health problem in developing countries. Anemia is a common consequence of VAD. We aimed to measure serum retinol concentrations of a sample of poor Egyptian mothers and correlate it with their Hb% and cord Hb%. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 200 healthy mothers and their healthy full term newborns. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected for CBC and measurement of serum retinol concentrations. Results. Forty-seven mothers (23.5%) had VAD and 50% were anemic. Mothers with VAD had a significantly lower mean Hb% and a significantly higher frequency of anemia (95.7%) compared to mothers without VAD (35.9%). The relative risk for anemia among mothers with VAD was 2.7 (CI = 2.12–3.3). Newborns of mothers with VAD had a significantly lower mean cord Hb% compared to newborns of mothers without VAD. Maternal serum retinol concentrations were positively correlated with maternal Hb% and cord Hb%. Conclusion. Maternal VAD during pregnancy among poor mothers is associated with maternal anemia and lower Hb% of newborns at birth. Vitamin A supplementation is highly recommended for this vulnerable group.

scholarly journals Vitamin A status among children in China

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 955-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiang Jingxiong ◽  
André Michael Toschke ◽  
Rüdiger von Kries ◽  
Berthold Koletzko ◽  
Lin Liangming
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Western Area

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children under 6 years old in China and to identify risk groups for VAD.DesignA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 14 provinces from coastal, inland and western geographic areas in China.SettingOne city (urban) and two counties (rural) were randomly selected from each province as survey areas.SubjectsAbout 200 children aged 0–6 years were randomly selected in each survey area. A blood sample was collected from each child. Data on sociodemographics and nutrition were obtained by interview of the mother or principal caregiver. Fluorescence microanalysis was used to analyse serum retinol concentration.ResultsVAD (serum retinol < 0.7 μmol l− 1) was observed in 957 out of 7826 children aged 0–6 years (12.2% of the entire study population), whereas severe VAD (serum retinol < 0.35 μmol l− 1) was found in 39 children (0.5%). The highest prevalences of VAD at >1 year of age were observed among children of mothers with minority ethnicity (22.7%) or poor education (19.8%) and in the poor western area (17.4%).ConclusionsVAD is a nutritional problem in children in China. Children living in the poor western area, having a mother with minority ethnicity or a mother with poor education have a high risk of VAD.

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