Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: February | Volume: 8 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 1-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20210201
Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency in School Going Children in Rural Area
Kishor Pandurang Kadu1, Smita Kishor Kadu2, Santosh Yadavrao Ingle3, Vishakha Tulshiram Vatkar4, Sharayu Ashok Bhore5
1Consultant, Epione Hospital, Amravati
2Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Amravati
3Consultant, Epione Hospital, Amravati
4Junior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Amravati
5Junior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Amravati
Corresponding Author: Smita Kishor Kadu
ABSTRACT
Background: Adequate data on occurrence of ocular morbidities associated with vitamin A deficiency amongst school going children was not available. So, our study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among the primary school children in relation to socio-economical status.
Methods: The study was designed among school children of 5-15 years of age after taking consent form from principals of different schools in the rural areas of Amravati district in Maharashtra. A predesigned proforma was used to collect the information.
Results: Total 600 school children were examined for Vitamin A deficiency, out of which 314 (52.50%) were boys and 286 (47.75%) were girls. Among the school children 106 (13.7%) students were under the age group of 5-10 years and 494 (86.3%) students were 11- 15 years. According to modified Kuppuswamy scale of Socio-economic status 96 (16%) students belongs to class III, 458 (76.33%) students from class IV and 46 (7.66%) students from class V. Prevalence of Vitamin A deficiency was observed in 34 (5.7%) students, among them 6 (17.64%) had conjunctival xerosis and 28 (82.35%) had bitot’s spot. Among 34 Vitamin A deficiency children 22 (64.70%) were girls and 12 (35.29%) were boys.
Conclusion: The presence of ocular morbidity in relation to vitamin A deficiency was observed in students with low socio-economic classes. Prevention, early intervention and treatment of ocular diseases by regular screening of students and nutritional education in schools would definitely decrease the risk of ocular abnormalities.
Keywords: HVitamin A deficiency, xerophthalmia.
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