Prevalence and correlates of prenatal vitamin A deficiency in rural Sidama, Southern Ethiopia.
A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and correlates of prenatal vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in rural Sidama, Southern Ethiopia. Seven hundred randomly-selected pregnant women took part in the study. Serum retinol concentration was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed by logistic and linear regression. Interpretation of data was made using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and adjusted linear regression coefficient. The prevalence of VAD (serum retinol < 0.7 micromol/L) was 37.9%. Advanced gestational age and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP > or = 5 mg/dL) were negatively associated with retinol concentration (p < 0.05). The odds of VAD was significantly higher among the women with no education and those devoid of self-income. Women aged 35-49 years had 2.23 (95% CI 1.31-3.81) times higher odds compared to those aged 15-24 years. The lower the dietary diversity score in the preceding day of the survey, the higher were the odds of VAD. With reference to nulliparas, grand multiparas had 1.92 (95% CI 1.02-3.64) times increased odds of VAD. VAD and zinc deficiency (serum zinc <8.6 pmol/L during the first trimester, or <7.6 pmol/L during the second or third trimester) were significantly associated with AOR of 1.80 (95% CI 1.28-2.53). VAD has major public-health significance in the area. Accordingly, it should be combated through enhancement of diet diversity, birth control, and socioeconomic empowerment of women.
School of Public and Environmental Health, Hawassa University, PO Box 12485, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2School of Public Health, 3School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. samsongmgs@yahoo.com
Samson Gebremedhin
SG
Gebreselassie
Fikre Enquselassie
FE
Gase
Melaku Umeta
MU
Deressa
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods; D004522:Educational Status; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009752:Nutritional Status; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D014801:Vitamin A; D002097:C-Reactive Protein