ASSESSMENT OF THE MAGNITUDEOF VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY AND ITS PREDICTORS AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN (6-59 MONTHS) IN ETHIOPIA

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.