RELATIONSHIP OF VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY AND XEROPHTHALMIA AMONG SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN (5–15 YEARS) AND ITS TREATMENT
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Keywords
Vitamin A deficiency, Xerophthalmia, School-aged children, Nutritional deficiency, Vitamin A supplementation
Abstract
Background: Among the most significant nutrition deficiencies in developing countries, vitamin A deficiency is the one that influences children. It may cause ocular complications, which are collectively referred to as xerophthalmia, which may further cause blindness or visual impairment when it is not addressed in good time. The children in schools are one group that is prone to it because of poor eating habits and low awareness of nutrition.
Objective: To determine the relationship between vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia among school-aged children and to evaluate the response to vitamin A supplementation.
Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional research study that will be carried out at the Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan during the period January 2025 to June 2025. A population of 72 children (5-15 years old) was selected by using a consecutive method of sampling. Demographic data and nutritional status were taken. Vitamin A measures in serum were taken and ophthalmological assessment done to find evidence of xerophthalmia according to WHO system. Children who were diagnosed to have vitamin A deficiency were given vitamin A supplement and diet counseling. Analysis of data was done by use of SPSS version 26 and Chi-square test was conducted to determine the association between xerophthalmia and vitamin A deficiency.
Results: Among the 72 children, a considerable proportion showed varying degrees of vitamin A deficiency. Clinical manifestations of xerophthalmia included conjunctival xerosis, Bitot’s spots, and corneal changes. The frequency of xerophthalmia increased with the severity of vitamin A deficiency, showing a statistically significant association. After vitamin A supplementation, more than half of the affected children demonstrated complete improvement in ocular symptoms, while others showed partial recovery.
Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency is strongly associated with xerophthalmia among school-aged children. Early screening and prompt vitamin A supplementation can significantly improve ocular health and prevent progression to severe visual complications. Nutritional education and community-based supplementation programs are essential to reduce the burden of vitamin A deficiency.
Background: Among the most significant nutrition deficiencies in developing countries, vitamin A deficiency is the one that influences children. It may cause ocular complications, which are collectively referred to as xerophthalmia, which may further cause blindness or visual impairment when it is not addressed in good time. The children in schools are one group that is prone to it because of poor eating habits and low awareness of nutrition.
Objective: To determine the relationship between vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia among school-aged children and to evaluate the response to vitamin A supplementation.
Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional research study that will be carried out at the Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan during the period January 2025 to June 2025. A population of 72 children (5-15 years old) was selected by using a consecutive method of sampling. Demographic data and nutritional status were taken. Vitamin A measures in serum were taken and ophthalmological assessment done to find evidence of xerophthalmia according to WHO system. Children who were diagnosed to have vitamin A deficiency were given vitamin A supplement and diet counseling. Analysis of data was done by use of SPSS version 26 and Chi-square test was conducted to determine the association between xerophthalmia and vitamin A deficiency.
Results: Among the 72 children, a considerable proportion showed varying degrees of vitamin A deficiency. Clinical manifestations of xerophthalmia included conjunctival xerosis, Bitot’s spots, and corneal changes. The frequency of xerophthalmia increased with the severity of vitamin A deficiency, showing a statistically significant association. After vitamin A supplementation, more than half of the affected children demonstrated complete improvement in ocular symptoms, while others showed partial recovery.
Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency is strongly associated with xerophthalmia among school-aged children. Early screening and prompt vitamin A supplementation can significantly improve ocular health and prevent progression to severe visual complications. Nutritional education and community-based supplementation programs are essential to reduce the burden of vitamin A deficiency.
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Imran Khan
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
Kazi Taimur Ahmed
Divisional Immunization Officer, World Health Organization WHO, Peshawar, Pakistan
Jalil Khan
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Bannu Medical College Bannu, Children Unit, Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital Bannu, Pakistan
Sidra Irshad
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Mohammad College of Medicine, Peshawar, Pakistan
Sayed Khan
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
Ruhina Salman
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, HBS Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan
