Prevalence of xerophthalmia and coverage of vitamin A prophylaxis programme in slums of rural and urban communities amongst children less than 6 years of age

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of xerophthalmia in a high risk age group of ch ildren less than 6 years of age and to assess the coverage of prophylaxis so that the efficiency of vitamin A prophylaxis programme can be analysed. Design: A cross sectional study was conducted from 15th June 2015 to 15th August 2015. Materials and Methods: 442 children aged 0-6 years were enrolled in a cross-sectiona l study from randomly selected anganwadis in 3 urban and rural communities. Parents/caregivers were interviewed about night blindness and other symptoms of xerophthalmia, consumption of vitamin A rich foods, history of vitamin A supplementation till date of examination, measles vaccination status. Children were examined for manifestations of xerophthalmia and were classified according to their ocular signs as per WHO criteria. Results: Out of 442 children 232 were male and 210 were female. Out of 442 children, 403 (93.73%) were given vitamin A supplements by the age of 6 years. Out of 442 children, none complained of day or night blindness. N o child had Bitot’s spots, corneal xerosis, scars or keratomalacia, but 6 children had bilateral conjunctival xerosis. The prevalence rate of conjunctival xerosis is 1.35%. The prevalence rate of xerophthalmia according to its ocular manifestations as given by WHO, is 0%. Conclusion: A prevalence rate of xerophthalmia 0% is indicative of the success of the vitamin A prophylaxis programme and coverage of vitamin A prophylaxis 93.73% can be attributed to the efficient implementation of the programme by the anganwadi workers.