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

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.