Prevalence and geographic distribution of vitamin A deficiency among preschool children in Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the main cause of avoidable blindness in children, and significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality from common childhood infection, even at a sub-clinical level. There is limited evidence on the prevalence and distribution of VAD.

Objective: To assess the national prevalence and distribution of vitamin A deficiency among preschool children. 

Method: Ethiopian national micronutrient survey (ENMS) is a nationally and regionally representative cross-sectional study. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was conducted and 1157 preschool children were selected. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire with Samsung tab S2 was used to collect data. Blood sample was also collected to analyzed biochemical indicators. Serum retinol concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14. 

Results: The national unadjusted prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among preschool children (serum retinol < 0.7 µmol/L) was 23.5% [95% CI: (21.16, 26.06%)] and adjusted prevalence was 14.5% [95% CI: (12.52, 16.61%)] thus representing 9% overestimation in the unadjusted prevalence of sub-clinical VAD. The lowest prevalence of subclinical VAD was among preschool children living in Addis Ababa (0.0 %), and the highest was among those living in Harari 20.97% [95% CI: (5.21, 32.97%)]. 

Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency is a moderate public health problem in Ethiopia indicating the need for strengthening strategies’ on vitamin A supplementation and food fortification.