Micronutrient deficiency disorders among the rural children of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: Multiple micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a major nutritional problem of public health significance in India.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among rural children of West Bengal, India.

Subjects and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 9228 and 437 pre-school children, respectively, for assessment of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anaemia. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) were assessed in 3490 children of 6–12 years.

Results: The prevalence of Bitot's spots, an objective sign of clinical VAD, was 0.6% and was significantly (p < 0.01) higher among children of 3–5 years. Prevalence of blood vitamin A deficiency ( < 20 μg/dL) was 61% and ∼81% of children were anaemic. About 25% children had both sub-clinical VAD and anaemia. The children of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (OR = 2.3: 95% CI = 1.3–3.9) were at higher risk of anaemia, whereas children of Scheduled Tribe (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.1–10.5) and 3–5 years (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.0–2.0) were at risk for VAD. The prevalence of goitre was 9%.

Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiencies were found to be of public health significance among rural children of West Bengal. Therefore, there is a need to initiate sustainable long-term interventions for prevention and control of micronutrient deficiencies in children.

Keywords::

• Micronutrients
• VAD
• Bitot's spots
• anaemia
• IDD

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Bandopadhyay, Medical Officer, and Ms Sudeshna Maitra, Nutritionist, National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau, West Bengal State Unit. We also thank Dr Madhavan Nair, Scientist E, Dr P. Raghu, Scientist B, and Mr V. Vikas Rao, Tecchnical Officer, Micronutrient Research and all staff members of the Division of Community Studies who rendered their technical help and Miss Sarala, Mr G. Hanumantha Rao and Mrs G. Prashanthi for secretarial support.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.