PREVALENCE OF SUB-CLINICAL VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN 2012

Thuy Nga TRAN1,, Huu Chinh NGUYEN1, Thi Hop LE2
1 National Institute of Nutrition, Hanoi, Vietnam
2 Vietnam Association of Nutrition

Main Article Content

Abstract

A cross-sectional study has been conducted in 388 aged 6-11 to investigate the prevalence of sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency among primary school children in 6 provinces across Vietnam. Results: The prevalence of sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency among primary school children (serum retinol <0.7 µmol / L) was 7.7% (5.7% in urban and 9.7% in rural areas), while almost half of the children (48.9%) with marginal vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol ≥ 0.7 umol / L and <1.05 umol / L). There is a positive correlation between Hb concentration and serum retinol in school-aged children (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.14; p <0.01). Infection in children had 9.5 times increased risk (OR = 9.5, [5.1- 17.7]) for sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency (p<0.001). Conclusions: Children with subclinical vitamin A deficiency at mild level of public health significant problem. The prevention of micronutrient deficiencies should be promoted by appropriate interventions to improve the micronutrient status for children in the community in the future.

Article Details

References

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