Rickets and the knowledge and practice of exposure to sunlight in Jimma town

Abstract: Six hundred and twenty eight randomly selected children between six and 59 months of age were examined for signs of rickets in Jimma town. Twenty five (4%) children were found to have rickets. The highest rate (11%) occurred in infants. The male to female ratio was 1.27:1. Infants were more likely to have rickets than older children. Rickets was also significantly associated with increased frequency of respiratory infections. There were no significant differences between rachitic and non-rachitic children when they were compared in terms of the maternal or caregivers knowledge and the practice of exposure to sunlight. The possible explanations for such a paradoxical findings are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1998;12(1):29-32