Title: Vitamin A deficiency in the South Pacific.

POPLINE Document Number: 108657

Author(s):

Schaumberg DA
Linehan M
Hawley G
O'Connor J
Dreyfuss M
Semba RD

Source citation:

PUBLIC HEALTH, 1995 Sep;109(5):311-7.

Abstract:

Vitamin A deficiency is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and blindness among children in many developing countries. Until recently, however, data have been lacking on the magnitude of the problem in the South Pacific region. Five cross-sectional surveys for vitamin A deficiency were conducted during 1989-1992 in the Republic of Kiribati, Tuvalu, the Republic of Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and the Cook Islands, covering 10,673 children aged 6-72 months. The prevalence of xerophthalmia was 14.76% in the Republic of Kiribati, 1.55% in Solomon Islands, 0.59% in the Cook Islands, 0.28% in Tuvalu, and 0.11% in the Republic of Vanuatu. Bitot's spots were the most common clinical findings followed by nightblindness. Xerophthalmia was more common among boys and tended to occur in older preschool children.

Keywords:

Oceania
Research Report
Vitamin A
Deficiency Diseases
Developing Countries
Vitamins and Minerals
Physiology
Biology
Nutrition Disorders
Diseases