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Merid MW, Aragaw FM, Godana TN, Kibret AA, Alem AZ, Asratie MH, Chilot D, Belay DG. Wealth-related inequality in vitamin A rich food consumption among children of age 6-23 months in Ethiopia; Wagstaff decomposition of the 2019 mini-DHS data. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302368. [PMID: 39378195 PMCID: PMC11460695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vitamin A (VA) cannot be made in the human body and thus foods rich in VA are the only sources of vitamin A for the body. However, ensuring availability in adequate amount of foods rich in VA remains a challenge, mainly in low-income counties including Ethiopia. In addition, children from the poorest and less educated families of same country have disproportionately limited consumptions of foods rich in VA. Therefore, the present study aimed assessing the wealth related inequality in vitamin A consumption (VAC) and decompose it to the various contributing factors. METHODS This study was conducted using the 2019 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data on a weighted sample of 1,497 children of age 6-23 months in Ethiopia. The wealth related inequality in VAC was quantified using concentration index and plotted using concentration curve. The Wagstaff decomposition analysis was performed to assess the relative contributions of each explanatory variable to the inequalities in the overall concentration index of VAC. RESULT The overall Wagstaff normalized concentration index (C) analyses of the wealth-related inequality in consumption of foods rich in VA among children aged 6-23 months was [C = 0.25; 95% C: 0.15, 0.35]. Further decomposition of the C by the explanatory variables reported the following contributions; primary level of women's education (7.2%), secondary and above (17.8%), having ANC visit during pregnancy (62.1%), delivery at a health institution (26.53%), living in the metropolis (13.7%), central region (34.2%), child age 18-23 months (4.7%) contributed to the observed wealth related inequality in the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A in Ethiopia. CONCLUSION We found pro-rich wealth-related inequality in VAC among children of age 6-23 months in Ethiopia. Additionally, maternal education, region, ANC visit, and place of delivery were the significant contributors of wealth-related inequality of VAC. Nutritional related interventions should prioritise children from poorer households and less educated mothers. Moreover, enhancing access to ANC and health facilities delivery services through education, advocacy, and campaign programs is highly recommended in the study setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehari Woldemariam Merid
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Fantu Mamo Aragaw
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tilahun Nega Godana
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Science, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Ayelign Kibret
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Adugnaw Zeleke Alem
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Hunie Asratie
- Department of Women’s and Family Health, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dagmawi Chilot
- Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Gashaneh Belay
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Razakamanana MV, Rakotonirainy M, Ramiandrisoa TO. Nutrition policy or price stabilisation policy: which policy is more effective for nutrition outcomes? BMC Nutr 2024; 10:72. [PMID: 38734680 PMCID: PMC11088095 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00882-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malnutrition remains a global problem and is increasing with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Madagascar, half of the children under five years of age suffer from stunting. However, since 2006, vitamin A supplementation campaigns, deworming and free vaccinations have been implemented within the framework of the Mother and Child Health Week (MCHW) to strengthen the fight against micronutrient deficiencies and reduce mortality. On the other hand, rice, the staple food of the Malagasy population, can provide some of the micronutrients necessary for good nutrition. However, the country's rice production is still insufficient, and the price has been rising steadily in recent years. This has led the government to resort to the policy of stabilizing rice prices through imported rice in 2017 and 2018. The aim of this paper is therefore to analyse the effects of these policies on the prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years of age in Madagascar. Which policy would be more effective: the nutrition policy or the price stabilisation policy? METHODS Data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics in 2018 are used, and logistic regressions for the analysis of the effects of nutrition policies on nutrition outcomes are performed. For the effect of price stabilisation policy, panel data on 22 regions of Madagascar from 2016 to 2019 are considered, and a fixed effect model is used. RESULTS We found that the effects of the nutrition policy are not immediately visible. Only participation in the 2016 MCHW contributes to a lower probability of malnutrition occurrence. The odds ratios of the effects of this participation on stunting are 0.69 (p-value: 0.05); on underweight: 0.70 (p-value < 0.01); and on wasting: 0.57 (p-value < 0.01). However, the participation rate remains very low. Then, there is no effect of the rice price stabilization policy on nutrition outcomes (0.00; p-value = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS Price stabilisation policy is not sufficient to fight against malnutrition, due to a lack of food diversification. These results suggest the need for a policy to ensure nutritional intake and to sensitize the population to participate in the MCHW. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilys Victoire Razakamanana
- Centre de Recherche pour le Développement (CRD), Université Catholique de Madagascar Ambatoroka, Antananarivo 101, Ambatoroka, BP, 6059, Madagascar.
| | - Miora Rakotonirainy
- Centre de Recherche pour le Développement (CRD), Université Catholique de Madagascar Ambatoroka, Antananarivo 101, Ambatoroka, BP, 6059, Madagascar
| | - Tiarinisaina Olivier Ramiandrisoa
- Centre de Recherche pour le Développement (CRD), Université Catholique de Madagascar Ambatoroka, Antananarivo 101, Ambatoroka, BP, 6059, Madagascar
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Tan PY, Loganathan R, Teng KT, Mohd Johari SN, Lee SC, Selvaduray KR, Ngui R, Lim YAL. Supplementation of red palm olein-enriched biscuits improves levels of provitamin A carotenes, iron, and erythropoiesis in vitamin A-deficient primary schoolchildren: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:905-918. [PMID: 38240773 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a significant contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries; therefore, the implementation of sustainable and cost-effective approaches to control VAD is of utmost pertinence. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of red palm olein (RPO)-enriched biscuit supplementation in improving vitamin A, haematological, iron, and inflammatory status among vitamin A-deficient schoolchildren. METHODS We conducted a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial involving 651 rural primary schoolchildren (8-12 years) with VAD in Malaysia. The schoolchildren were randomised to receive either RPO-enriched biscuits (experimental group, n = 334) or palm olein-enriched biscuits (control group, n = 317) for 6-month duration. RESULTS Significant improvements in retinol and retinol-binding protein 4 levels were observed in both groups after supplementation (P < 0.001). The improvement in retinol levels were similar across groups among subjects with confirmed VAD (P = 0.40). Among those with marginal VAD, greater improvement in retinol levels was recorded in the control group (P < 0.001) but lacked clinical significance. The levels of α- and β-carotenes, haematological parameters (haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin) and iron enhanced more significantly in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The significant reduction in the prevalence of microcytic anaemia (- 21.8%) and high inflammation (- 8.1%) was only observed in the experimental group. CONCLUSION The supplementation of RPO-enriched biscuits enhanced levels of provitamin A carotenes, iron, and erythropoiesis, and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the incorporation of RPO into National Nutritional Intervention Programs may be a potential measure to improve the health status of vitamin A-deficient children, among various other interventions. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03256123).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Yee Tan
- Nutrition Unit, Division of Product Development and Advisory Services, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Radhika Loganathan
- Nutrition Unit, Division of Product Development and Advisory Services, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kim-Tiu Teng
- Nutrition Unit, Division of Product Development and Advisory Services, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Soo Ching Lee
- Type 2 Immunity Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kanga Rani Selvaduray
- Nutrition Unit, Division of Product Development and Advisory Services, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Ai-Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Nuredin A, Melis T, Abdu AO. Clinical vitamin A deficiency among preschool aged children in southwest Ethiopia. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1267979. [PMID: 38450229 PMCID: PMC10914950 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1267979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical manifestations of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) involve night blindness, bitot's spots, corneal xerosis, and corneal scars. It is the most important cause of preventable childhood blindness among children and causes morbidity and mortality. Even though Ethiopia implemented high-potency vitamin A supplements, the occurrence of VAD remains significant. This study was to identify determinants of clinical VAD among preschool-aged children (PSC) in southwest Ethiopia. Method A community-based survey was conducted among 411 randomly selected PSCs. A pretested and structured questionnaire coupled with clinical observation for signs of vitamin A deficiency by a trained ophthalmologist was used to collect the data. An anthropometric measurement of height was taken and analyzed using WHO Anthro to calculate Z-scores for each index. The public health significance of VAD was declared after comparison with international references. A bi-variable and multi-variable logistic analysis was done. We reported the adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval, and p-value. Result A total of 411 children were screened for clinical VAD, and the overall prevalence was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.5-2.5). Of which, night blindness affects 1.2%, bitot's spots affects 0.7%, and corneal xerosis affects 0.2%, indicating a major public health problem compared to the international reference. The odds of clinical VAD were 81% lower among children who received vitamin A supplementation (VAS; AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.92). On the other hand, PSC of mothers who had attended ANC visits were 89% less likely to develop clinical VAD (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.53). In addition, the study revealed that the odds of developing clinical VAD are 82% lower among PSC aged 36 to 47 months (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.03-0.97). Conclusion The prevalence of clinical VAD among PSC is a public health problem and is associated with ANC visits, VAS status, and the age of the child, which could be used to target interventions to further reduce existing VAD. Further studies using reliable dietary intake and biomarker data could further depict the burden of subclinical VAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdilwahid Nuredin
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Tamirat Melis
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Abdu Oumer Abdu
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Chopra H, Paul B, Virk A, Pandey G, Lahariya C. Triple Burden of Malnutrition among Children in India: Current Scenario and the Way Forward. Indian J Pediatr 2023; 90:95-103. [PMID: 37505406 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04739-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The triple burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency) or TBM among under-five (U5) children is an increasingly recognised public health challenge. A literature search was conducted to identify studies published from 1976 to 2022, which had focused on information regarding different factors of child malnutrition. The findings were analysed and contextualised from policy and programmatic perspective. There is a high burden of various forms of malnutrition in India. Insufficient dietary intake and illnesses are immediate and most common causes of triple burden of malnutrition (TBM): (undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency). The other key factors associated with the TBM are lifestyle, nutritional practices, unsafe water, food insecurity, lack of sanitation & basic hygiene, unhealthy feeding & caring practices, inadequate health infrastructure, and suboptimal implementation of government nutrition schemes etc. There is scientific evidence that TBM has long term consequences on physical and mental development of children and has high cost to any society. The situation of TBM persists inspite of multiple ongoing government programs to tackle these challenges. The health service provision needs to move from the first 1,000 d to the first 3,000 d as well as focus on the interventions aimed at early childhood development. Multi-sectoral interventions through Anganwadi centres and schools (through education department) need to be conducted. The public health programs and primary healthcare services need to be realigned and health interventions should be implemented along with tackling social determinants of health and sustained community engagement and participation. Tackling TBM should be made a political priority. The life cycle approach for healthier children and society needs to be fully implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harivansh Chopra
- Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, National Body, India
- Department of Community Medicine, LLRM Medical College, Meerut, UP, India
| | - Bobby Paul
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata, India
| | - Amrit Virk
- Department of Community Medicine, Dr. B R Ambedkar State Institute Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Gargi Pandey
- Department of Community Medicine, LLRM Medical College, Meerut, UP, India.
| | - Chandrakant Lahariya
- Integrated Department of Health Policy, Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine and Pediatrics, Foundation for People-centric Health Systems, New Delhi, India
- SD Gupta School of Public Health, The IIHMR University, Jaipur, India
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Wolde M, Tessema ZT. Determinants of good vitamin A consumption in the 12 East Africa Countries using recent Demographic and health survey. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281681. [PMID: 36795660 PMCID: PMC9934452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin A one of the important micronutrients that it cannot be made in the human body and must be taken from outside the body through the diet. Ensuring that vitamin A is available in any form in sufficient quantities remains a challenge, especially in regions where access to vitamin A-containing foods and healthcare interventions is limited. As a result, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) becomes a common form of micronutrient deficiency. To the best of our knowledge, there is limited evidence on determinants of good Vitamin A consumption in East African countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of good vitamin A consumption in East African countries. METHODS A recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of twelve East African countries were included to determine the magnitude and determinants of good vitamin A consumption. A total of 32,275 study participants were included in this study. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between the likelihood of good vitamin A-rich food consumption. Both community and individual levels were used as independent variables. Adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval were used to see the strength of the association. RESULT The pooled magnitude of good vitamin A consumption was 62.91% with a 95% CI of 62.3 to 63.43. The higher proportion of good vitamin A consumption 80.84% was recorded in Burundi and the smallest good vitamin A consumption 34.12% was recorded in Kenya. From the multilevel logistic regression model, women's age, marital status, maternal education, wealth index, maternal occupation, children's age in a month, media exposure, literacy rate, and parity were significantly associated with good vitamin A consumption in East Africa. CONCLUSION The magnitude of good vitamin A consumption in twelve East African countries is low. To increase good vitamin A consumption health education through the mass media and enhancing the economic status of women is recommended. Planners and implementers should give attention and priority to identified determinants to enhance good vitamin A consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maereg Wolde
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Zemenu Tadesse Tessema
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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High prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency among schoolchildren of rural areas in Malaysia using a multi-school assessment approach. Br J Nutr 2023; 129:454-467. [PMID: 35506400 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522001398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Childhood malnutrition is known as a public health concern globally. The present study aims to assess the anthropometry and blood biochemical status of rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia. A total of 776 children (7-11 years old) from ten rural primary schools from five states were included in this study. Nutritional outcomes were assessed based on sex, age group and school categories among the children (median age: 9 years (P25:8, P75:10)). The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 53·4 %. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) was recorded at 20·6 and 39·8 % based on retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels, respectively. Anaemia, iron deficiency (ID), iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) and elevated inflammation were found at 14·9, 17·9, 9·1 and 11·5 %, respectively. Malnutrition, VAD, anaemia, ID, IDA and elevated inflammation were more prevalent among Orang Asli (OA) schoolchildren compared with Non-Orang Asli schoolchildren. Higher occurrences of VAD and anaemia were also found among children aged <10 years. Retinol, RBP, α-carotene, ferritin and haemoglobin levels were lower among undernourished children. Besides, overweight/obese children exhibited a higher level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that OA school children (adjusted OR (AOR): 6·1; 95 % CI 4·1, 9·0) and IDA (AOR: 3·6; 95 % CI 1·9, 6·6) were associated with stunting among this population. The present study revealed that malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia are prevalent among rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia, especially those from OA schools and younger age children (<10 years). Hence, more appropriate and targeted measures are needed to improve the nutritional status of these children.
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Lucha TA, Engida TA, Mengistu AK. Assessing the potential determinants of national vitamin A supplementation among children aged 6-35 months in Ethiopia: further analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:439. [PMID: 35864488 PMCID: PMC9306167 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03499-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin A is a nutrient that is required in a small amount for normal visual system function, growth and development, epithelia’s cellular integrity, immune function, and reproduction. Vitamin A has a significant and clinically important effect since it has been associated with a reduction in all-cause and diarrhea mortality. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with national vitamin A supplementation among children aged 6–35 months. Method The data for this study was extracted from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey. A total weighted sample of 2242 women with children aged 6–35 months was included in the study. The analysis was performed using Stata version 14.2 software. Applying sampling weight for descriptive statistics and complex sample design for inferential statistics, a manual backward stepwise elimination approach was applied. Finally, statistical significance declared at the level of p value < 0.05. Result The overall coverage of vitamin A supplementation among children aged 6–35 months for the survey included was 44.4 95% CI (40.15, 48.74). In the multivariable analysis, mothers who had four or more antenatal visits [AOR = 2.02 (95% CI: 1.34, 3.04)] were two times more likely to receive vitamin A capsules for their children than mothers who had no antenatal visits. Children from middle-wealth quintiles had higher odds of receiving vitamin A capsules in comparison to children from the poorest wealth quintile [AOR = 1.77 (95% CI: 1.14, 2.73)]. Older children had higher odds of receiving vitamin A capsules than the youngest ones. Other factors that were associated with vitamin A supplementation were mode of delivery and region. Conclusion The coverage of vitamin A supplementation in Ethiopia remains low and it is strongly associated with antenatal visit, household wealth index and age of child. Expanding maternal health services like antenatal care visits should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Abate Lucha
- Department of Neonatal Nursing, Menelik II Medical & Health Sciences College, Kotebe University of Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Teklu Assefa Engida
- Department of Neonatal Nursing, Menelik II Medical & Health Sciences College, Kotebe University of Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Admassu Ketsela Mengistu
- Department of Pharmacy, Menelik II Medical & Health Sciences College, Kotebe University of Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Bora K. Vitamin A supplementation among 9-59 month old children in India: geospatial perspectives and implications for targeted coverage. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007972. [PMID: 35902202 PMCID: PMC9137340 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is yet to reach all Indian children aged 9–59 months, despite guidelines for universal coverage. This study mapped geospatial patterns underlying VAS coverage across two policy-relevant administrative unit levels (states and districts) in India. The relationship between spatial distribution of VAS coverage and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) prevalence was also investigated. Methods The study draws on nationally representative cross-sectional data collected during National Family and Health Survey 4 (NFHS-4) and Comprehensive National Nutritional Survey (CNNS). VAS coverage was estimated using information obtained during NFHS-4 from mothers about whether their children (n=204 645) had received VAS within 6 months of the survey. VAD prevalence estimates were based on serum retinol measurements during CNNS in under-five children (n=9563). State-level and district-level choropleth maps of VAS coverage were constructed. Spatial patterns were probed using Moran’s statistics, scatter plots and local indicators of spatial association (LISA). Relationship between VAS coverage (as an explanatory variable) and VAD prevalence was explored using spatial autoregressive models. Results VAS coverage in India (overall 60.5%) ranged from 29.5% (Nagaland) to 89.5% (Goa) across the various states/union territories. Among districts, it ranged from 12.8% (Longleng district, Nagaland) to 94.5% (Kolar district, Karnataka). The coverage exhibited positive spatial autocorrelation, more prominently at the district-level (univariate Moran’s I=0.638, z-value=25.614, pseudo p value=0.001). LISA maps identified spatial clusters of high coverage and low coverage districts. No significant spatial association was observed between VAS coverage and VAD prevalence in the states during spatial error (R2=0.07, λ=0.30, p value=0.14) and spatial lag (R2=0.05, ρ=0.25, p value=0.23) regression. Conclusion Two out of every five eligible Indian children were not supplemented with vitamin A. The coverage was geographically heterogeneous with discernible spatial patterns. Their consequences on vitamin A status and associated health effects in the community deserve close monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh Bora
- Haematology Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
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Awasthi S, Kumar D, Mahdi AA, Agarwal GG, Pandey AK, Parveen H, Singh S, Awasthi R, Pande H, T. S. A, Mahanta BN, Singh CM, Mathew JL, Ahmad MK, Singh K, Bhat MA, A. R. S, Kar S, Nair S. Prevalence of specific micronutrient deficiencies in urban school going children and adolescence of India: A multicenter cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267003. [PMID: 35544476 PMCID: PMC9094555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood and adolescence require adequate amount of micronutrients for normal growth and development. The primary objective of study was to assess the prevalence of deficiencies of Vitamins (Vitamin A, 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folate) and minerals (Calcium, Zinc, Selenium and Iron), among urban school going children aged 6–11 and 12–16 years in ten cities of India. Secondary objective was to find the association between micronutrient deficiencies with sociodemographic and anthropometric indicators. Methods A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted across India. Participants in the age groups of 6 to 11 years (group 1) and 12 to 16 years (group 2) were selected from randomly chosen schools from each center. Data on socio economic status, anthropometric measures was collected. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of micronutrients. Point estimates and 95% confidence intervals was used to assess the prevalence of deficiencies. Associations were observed using chi square, student t test and ANOVA test. Results From April 2019 to February 2020, 2428 participants (1235 in group 1 and 1193 group 2) were recruited from 60 schools across ten cites. The prevalence of calcium and iron deficiency was 59.9% and 49.4% respectively. 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 39.7% and vitamin B12 in 33.4% of subjects. Folate, Selenium and Zinc were deficient in 22.2%, 10.4% and 6.8% of subjects respectively. Vitamin A deficiency least (1.6%). Anemia was prevalent in 17.6% subjects and was more common among females. Conclusion One or more micronutrient deficiencies are found in almost one half of school going children in urban area. Hence efforts must be made to combat these on priority. Trial registration number CTRI/2019/02/017783.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shally Awasthi
- Department of Pediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Divas Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abbas Ali Mahdi
- Department of Biochemistry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Girdhar G. Agarwal
- Department of Statistics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anuj Kumar Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hina Parveen
- Department of Biochemistry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shweta Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajiv Awasthi
- Prarthana Diabetic Care Centre, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Harsh Pande
- Department of Pediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anish T. S.
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerela, India
| | - B. N. Mahanta
- Department of Medicine, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - C. M. Singh
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Joseph L. Mathew
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Chandigarh, India
| | - Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mushtaq A. Bhat
- Department of Pediatrics, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Somashekar A. R.
- Department of Pediatrics, M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sonali Kar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India
| | - Suma Nair
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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11
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Rai RK. Estimated effect of vitamin A supplementation on anaemia and anthropometric failure of Indian children. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:1263-1271. [PMID: 35140334 PMCID: PMC9122827 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-01969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND India has an unacceptably high burden of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among children aged 6-59 months. To mitigate VAD and its adverse effects on child health, the Indian government runs a nationwide vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programme. However, the effect of VAS in reducing child morbidity and mortality remains inconclusive and has been debated globally. In this paper, we estimate the effect of VAS on two indicators of child nutrition-anaemia (categorized into any anaemia, and mild/moderate anaemia) and anthropometric failure (categorized into stunting, wasting, and underweight) among children aged 6-59 months. METHODS Using the nationally representative 2015-2016 National Family Health Survey data set from India, we set up a quasi-experimental study design and estimated household and mother fixed-effects of VAS on select types of child anaemia and anthropometric failure. RESULTS Findings from both the household fixed-effects and mother fixed-effects analysis showed that VAS does not influence any types of childhood anaemia and anthropometric failure in India. We discussed the findings considering existing literature and possible limitations of the study. CONCLUSIONS The infirm effect of Vitamin A on anaemia and anthropometric failure is probably indicative of targeted VAS intervention, as opposed to a universal VAS programme. IMPACT Effects of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) in treating child morbidity and mortality remain inconclusive, which calls for further rigorous studies. This study set up a quasi-experimental research design and estimated the null effect of VAS on child anaemia and childhood anthropometric failure. While the cautious interpretation of findings is urged, this study reliably supports targeted intervention of VAS, instead of the universal VAS programme. The use of nationally representative data and robust research protocol are the primary strengths of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Kumar Rai
- Society for Health and Demographic Surveillance, Suri, West Bengal, India. .,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Economics, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany. .,Centre for Modern Indian Studies, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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Puranik A, N S. Anemia Among Children Under 5 Years in India: A District-Level Spatial Analysis Using NFHS-5 Data. Asia Pac J Public Health 2021; 34:206-212. [PMID: 34775809 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211058288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The 2015/2016 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) revealed that the prevalence of anemia among children under 5 years is 58% in India. Lack of nutritional supplementation and lack of health care facilities are found to be important influential factors of anemia among children. We aimed to examine district-level spatial heterogeneity and clustering of associated factors with childhood anemia in India. Geographically weighted regression was applied on the NFHS-5 data for 335 districts. Factors such as prevalence of nutritional supplementation in children and mothers, birth order, antenatal care, diarrhea in children, and stunting were found to be significantly associated. Spatial scan statistics technique identified 3 significant local spatial clusters of anemia. This study provides findings based on the latest available data which can further assist in the design and execution of tailor-made policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitha Puranik
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shreya N
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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