International Journal of Current Research and Academic Review
Int.J.Curr.Res.Aca.Rev. 2014.2(1): 25-29
Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in primary school children of Taluka Maval, district Pune of India
Ranjeeta Chatterjee*
Department of Zoology, Prof. Ramkrishna More Arts, Commerce and Science College, Akurdi, Pune - 44, India
A B S T R A C T
A baseline survey was conducted in 5 villages of Taluka Maval viz. Shivali, Sangawade, Darumbre, Gahunje and Divad for prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in primary school children. Sub-clinical examination for the presence of vitamin A deficiency (Xerophthalmia) was carried out. The survey revealed 46% prevalence of VAD in Maval Taluka, out of which, 4% night blindness, 33% conjunctival xerosis and 9% Bitot spot found. The prevalence of VAD was well above the WHO cut off level. The prevalence of VAD was higher among boys than girls i.e. 21% & 12% respectively.
Keywords
Primary school children; Vitamin A deficiency; Xerophthalmia; conjunctival xerosis; VAD.