Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency among Preschool Children in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. Vitamin A deficiency is a major nutritional concern in lower-income countries. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to show the magnitude of vitamin A deficiency among preschoolers in Ethiopia. Objective. The present study was aimed at synthesizing qualitatively and quantitatively the existing literature on the prevalence of VAD in preschool children in Ethiopia. Methods. Studies were searched through the search engine of Google Scholar, Hinari, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Africa-Wide Information. Searching was made using the keywords/MeSH of vitamin A deficiency, xerophthalmia, night blindness, Bitot’s spot, retinol, children, and Ethiopia. Data were analyzed and compared with the WHO threshold criteria to declare a public health problem. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using a Cochran Q test and I2 statistics. A random-effects model with 95% confidence interval was used for prevalence estimations. Results. Of the 13 studies included in clinical analysis, 12 of them reported the prevalence of night blindness and/or Bitot’s spot among preschool children in Ethiopia which was above WHO cutoff point for the public health problem 1% and 0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of night blindness significantly decreased from moderate public health problem 4.2% (95% CI: 2.8%-5.7%) in a period from 1990 to 2004 to mild public health problem 0.8% (95% CI: 0.6%-1.0%) in a period from 2005 to 2019. Furthermore, statistically insignificant reduction was observed in the prevalence of Bitot’s spot in a period from 1990 to 2004, 2.2% (95% CI: 1.3%-3.2%) to 1.8% (95% CI: 1.2%-2.3%) in a period from 2005 to 2019. Among 8 studies on subclinical vitamin A deficiency, 7 of them indicated a severe public health problem (>20%). The prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency decreased from 55.7% (95% CI: 39.8%-71.6%) in a period from 1990 to 2004 to 28.3% (95% CI: 9.8%-46.7%) in a period from 2005 to 2019, but not statistically significant. Conclusions. Despite the reduced proportion of night blindness and Bitot’s spot, still both clinical and subclinical vitamin A deficiencies remain a public health problem in Ethiopia requiring strengthen intervention through the newly initiated health extension program.

Does socio-economic inequality exist in micro-nutrients supplementation among children aged 6–59 months in India? Evidence from National Family Health Survey 2005–06 and 2015–16

“…Micronutrient deficiencies were mainly associated with inadequate dietary intake, increased losses from the body, and increased requirements [21]. A systematic review indicated that VAD leads to serious health problems among pre-school age children, which were mainly due to high prevalence of morbidity, poor consumption of fruits and vegetables, the monotonous cereal-legume diet, poor consumption of vitamin A diet and lower vitamin A supplementation [22].…”

<p>Prevalence and Associated Factors of Clinical Vitamin A Deficiency Among Pre-School Children 1–5 Years of Age in Rural Kebeles in Farta District, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia: A Mixed Methods Study</p>

“…Since then, research conducted in different parts of the country still showed higher prevalence, which is 2-8 times higher than WHO cut-off points. 2,9,10 submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.com…”

Vitamin A supplementation and estimated number of averted child deaths in Ethiopia: 15 years in practice (2005–2019)

“…The prevalence of night blindness (condition making it difficult or impossible to see in relatively low light) in Ethiopia decreased significantly over the last 15 years from 4.2% to 0.8% among preschool children, hence shifting from a moderate to a mild public health problem (Sahile et al, 2020). The country has also witnessed a remarkable economic growth, but this has not translated into improved diets.…”