CLINICAL VITAMIN A DEFICIENCIES (BITOT’S SPOT AND NIGHT BLINDNESS) AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN HARAMAYA RURAL DISTRICT, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Vitamin A deficiencies are one of the significant public health problems in Ethiopia, and it leads to 80,000 deaths in a year and affects 61 % of preschool children. However, research study based on information regarding on clinical vitamin A deficiencies and vitamin A intake among preschool children from the rural communities is limited. Particularly to this study area there was no previous study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide information regarding the prevalence and associated factors of clinical vitamin A deficiencies among preschool children. Objective: To assess the prevalence of clinical vitamin A deficiency and associated factors among preschool children (2-5 years) in Haramaya Rural district, Eastern Ethiopia from February to March 15, 2017. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted. The sample size was determined by using single population proportion formula. A stratified sampling, followed by a systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire through face to face interview with children’s mothers/care givers. Clinical Vitamin A deficiency was collected by trained Nurses. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were carried out to investigate the association of independent variable on the dependent variable. Statistical significance was declared a p-value was less than 0.05. Results: The prevalence of clinical vitamin A deficiencies was 2.7 % (95% CI=5.17, 9.37). The odds of clinical vitamin A deficiencies was associated with those mother did not have ANC follow up [AOR=5.63, 95% CI: (2.18, 14.57)], having measles [AOR=4.69, 95% CI: (1.41, 15.59)], children belonging to family size more than four [AOR= 4.26, 95% CI: (2.19, 6.73)], children age of 48-59 months [AOR= 3.16, 95% CI : (1.31, 3.58)], being male [AOR = 2.62, 95% IC: (1.48, 3.45)] and children who did not receive vitamin A capsules in the last 6 months [AOR= 7.67,95% CI: (2.77, 21.28)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of clinical vitamin A deficiencies in this study area is high. The independent predictors of clinical vitamin A deficiency are lack of antenatal care clinic visit, having measles, children belonging to family size more than four , children age of 48-59 months, being male, and children who did not receive vitamin A capsules in the last 6 months. Further strengthening of antenatal care utilization , home gardening and giving emphasis to preschool children will help to alleviate vitamin-A deficiency in the study area