Risk factors for xerophthalmia in the Republic of Kiribati.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To identify risk factors for xerophthalmia in the Republic of Kiribati.

DESIGN:

Case-control study.

SETTING:

The Republic of Kiribati.

SUBJECTS:

666 xerophthalmic preschool children (cases) and 816 children without xerophthalmia (controls) from a population-based sample of 4619 children who participated in a xerophthalmia prevalence survey.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Clinical signs of xerophthalmia (night blindness, Bitot's spots, corneal xerophthalmia and keratomalacia).

RESULTS:

Multivariable logistic regression models showed older age [1.35(1.24, 1.47)] [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)]; male sex [1.32(1.05, 1.67)]; recent diarrhea [1.45(1.10, 1.89)]; severe [3.82(2.73, 5.35)], moderate [3.55(2.04, 6.18)], and mild [3.07(2.33, 4.04)] protein-energy malnutrition; current breast-feeding [0.30(0.19, 0.46)]; higher frequency of consumption of carotenoid-containing fruits and vegetables [0.93(0.80, 0.96)]; and the presence of a Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific garden project [0.70(0.52, 0.93)] were each independently associated with xerophthalmia. A recent history of measles was associated with corneal xerophthalmia [7.73(1.78, 33.65)].

CONCLUSIONS:

These data provide further evidence of the relationship between xerophthalmia and factors that may be amenable to intervention, and suggest that greater availability and consumption of provitamin A carotenoids is associated with decreased risk of xerophthalmia among preschool children.

• Authors: D A Schaumberg, J O'Connor, R D Semba
• Journal: European journal of clinical nutrition (Eur J Clin Nutr) Vol. 50 Issue 11 Pg. 761-4 (Nov 1996) ISSN: 0954-3007 [Print] England
• PMID: 8933124 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Breast Feeding
• Case-Control Studies
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Diet
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Logistic Models
• Male
• Measles (complications)
• Micronesia (epidemiology)
• Prevalence
• Risk Factors
• Vitamin A Deficiency (complications)
• Xerophthalmia (classification, epidemiology, etiology)