Vitamin A Deficiency in Children Age 2 Months to 5 Years with Pneumonia Admitted at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i5.3095Keywords:
Child, Pneumonia, Prevalence, Vitamin A Deficiency.Abstract
Background: Childhood pneumonia is major cause of illness and death in children under five years, especially in developing countries, and micronutrient deficiencies like vitamin A may worsen disease severity and outcomes. Objective: To determine the frequency of vitamin A deficiency in children aged 2 months to 5 years presenting with pneumonia. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was carried out from 10 July 2024 to 10 January 2025 in the Department of Paediatrics, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Methodology: A total of 119 children aged 2 months to 5 years with pneumonia were included. Data regarding demographics and clinical features was recorded. Blood samples were collected and serum retinol level less than 0.70 µmol/L was taken as vitamin A deficiency. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: The mean age was 2.49±1.33 years and mean weight was 13.04±4.63 kg. Male children were 69 (58.0%) and females 50 (42.0%). Vitamin A deficiency was found in 64 (53.8%) children. Higher deficiency was seen in poor socioeconomic group 39 (75.0%) compared to high group 9 (30.0%) (p<0.001). Children with uneducated 16 (66.7%) and primary educated parents 26 (68.4%) showed higher deficiency (p=0.013). Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency is highly prevalent in children with pneumonia and significantly associated with poor socioeconomic status, low parental education, rural residence and household smoking.
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