Oyunga MA, Grant FKE, Low JW, Ouedraogo H, Omondi DO and Levin C
Kenya Agriculture & Livestock Research Organization, Kenya
International Potato Center, Kenya
Maseno University, Kenya
University of Washington, USA
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nutr Food Sci
Kenya loses 121,000 DALYs attributable to VAD which amounts to 0.5-1% of the gross national product, annually. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among infants. Socio-demographic and dietary intake information was collected. RBP concentrations were assessed using DBS methodology. RBP was analyzed using rapid enzyme immunoassay and CRP was analyzed using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay to estimate VA and sub-clinical inflammation respectively. Adjusted values for inflammation using CRP >5 mg/L and VAD prevalence (RBP 0.70μmol/L retinol) estimated. Nutritional status was determined. Mean concentration of RBP was adequate (1.56±0.79μmol/L) but the inflammation-adjusted mean prevalence of VAD was high (20.1±1.1%) in this population. CRP level was within normal range (1.06±4.95 mg/L) whilst 18.4±0.9% of the children had sub-clinical inflammation (CRP>5 mg/L). VA capsule intake predicted VAD-not taking VAC a year preceding the survey had 30% increased the risk of VAD (OR (CI): 1.3 (1.1- 1.7); p=0.025. Age predicted infantsâ?? VAD with older infants having a 30% increased risk of VAD (OR (CI): 1.3 (1.1-1.9); p=0.035); caretakersâ?? knowledge on VA and nutrition predicted VAD- infants whose caretakers lacked knowledge having 40% increased risk of VAD (OR (CI): 1.4 (1.0-1.9); p=0.027. Infantâ??s district of residence predicted VAD. Prevalence of VAD in this infants was high. Predictors of VAD included child intake of VAC in the year preceding the survey, older children, children whose caretakers had poor VA and nutritional knowledge and infantâ??s district of residence. Improved knowledge on nutrition and VA of caretakers is needed, undertake targeted VAC distribution and use a sustainable food-based intervention in areas with severe VAD
E-mail: oyungam2010@gmail.com
