780 Am J Clin Nut, ’ l987;45:780-4. Printed in USA. © 1987 American Society for Clinical Nutrition Original Research Communications-surveys

ABSTRACT In Arsi and Bale regions ofEthiopia we found an area in which vitamin A deficiency is hyperendemic and linked to monocrop grain farming. The prevalence of mild xerophthalmia is higher in villages than settlements and higher in settlements than towns (p < 0.001 for both). The prevalence ofmild xerophthalmia is higher in males than females(p = 0.03)and the difference cannot be explained by ecological factors. Nutritional status, length of weaning, severe diseases, and intake of food with low-vitamin A content are factors associated with vitamin A deficiency. Length of weaning and severe diseases play a more important role than nutritional status in this study. The prevalence of diarrhea and respiratory diseases was twice as high in children with xerophthalmia than in children without (p <0.001 and <0.02, respectively). The incidence of measles was higher in children with vitamin A deficiency than in children without, relative risk 4.7 (p = 0.01). Am