Xerophthalmia in children of Torbayo village, West Hararghe

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted in children below the age of 14 years in Torbayo village, West Hararghe, during the month of February 1991 to determine the prevalence of Xerophthalmia. Every third household with children below 14 years (n=373, 32.3%) was randomly selected and the children were convened in a central place for examination of the signs and symptoms of Xerophthalmia, morbidity and nutritional status. A total of 132 children were found to have xerophthalmia, of which 70(18.8%) had night blindness and 55(14.7%) had Bitot's spots. According to WHO, this appears to be of public health significance. Males were affected slightly more than females(4.2% vs 3.9%), and school children were noted to be affected more than preschool children. Though the levels of wasting and stunting which were 39(10.5%) and 133(35.7%), respectively, appear to be high, no significant association was observed with the clinical manifestation of vitamin A deficiency. In conclusion, the prevalence rate of X1B of 14.7% is amongst the highest rates reported in the world and, therefore, we recommend periodic vitamin A supplementation until dietary intervention takes place.[Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1998;12(1):39-43