Abstract:
Background: Globally, VAD affects an estimated 190 million (33.3%) preschool age
children. VAD is responsible for almost 6% of under five deaths in Africa and 8% in SouthEast Asia. However, currently there is limited information on the magnitude of VADand its
associated factors using national level data.
Objective: The study was aimedto assess the national prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and
its predictors among preschool children.
Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2015.
A total of 1216 preschool children were taken. Data on the background characteristics of
participants were collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire with a
Samsung tablet 4. In addition, venous blood was collected in free trace metals tube for
determination of serum retinol level. High performance liquid chromatography was used to
analyse serum retinol and inflammation status was assessed using C reactive protein and
Alpha 1 acid glycoprotein. Data were analysed using SPSS for windows version 20. Bivariate
and multivariable logistic regression were used to select independent predictors of VAD.
Variables with P-value of <0.05 were declared as statistically significant.
Results: The study found that the national prevalence rate of subclinical vitamin A deficiency
(serum retinol < 0.7 µmol/L) was 25% and after adjusting for inflammation the prevalence of
vitamin A deficiency became 18%.On multivariable regression analyses, rural residence
AOR=[2.24(1.256-3.992)], being anaemicAOR= [1.52(1.089-2.123)], having acute
inflammationAOR =[2.78(1.715-4.496)],having chronic inflammationAOR=[1.91(1.431-
4.625)], and having diarrhoeal disease AOR=[1.57(1.024-2.396)] were significant predictors
of VAD.
Conclusion and recommendation:The national prevalence of vitamin A deficiencyshowed,
a moderate public health importance according to WHO criteria. Vitamin A deficiency was
high among those preschool children’s with anaemia, acute and chronic inflammation,
diarrhoea, and living in rural areas.Enhancing the consumption of diversified diet through the
health extension workers, health development army and other innovative ways and alsofood
fortification is recommended.
