Abstract
BackgroundVitamin A deficiency can cause anemia as the nutrient is essential for hematopoiesis, mobilization of iron store and immunity. Nevertheless, clinical trials endeavored to evaluate the effect of Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) on hemoglobin concluded inconsistently. Accordingly, the objective of the current study is to assess the effect of single high dose VAS on the hemoglobin status of children aged 6–59 months.MethodsThe study was conducted based on the data of Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey 2011. The data from 2397 children aged 6–59 months who received a single dose of 30 or 60 mg of VAS (depending on age) in the preceding 6 months were matched with similar number children who did not receive the supplement in the reference period. The matching was based on propensity scores generated from potential confounders. Distributions of hemoglobin concentration and risks of anemia were compared between the groups using paired t-test, matched Relative Risk (RR) and standardized mean difference.ResultThe supplemented and non-supplemented groups were homogeneous in pertinent socio-demographic variables. Compared to propensity score matched non-supplemented children, those who received vitamin A had a 1.50 (95% CI: 0.30-2.70) g/l higher hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.014). In the supplemented and non-supplemented groups, the prevalences of anemia were 46.4% and 53.9%, respectively. VAS was associated with a 9% reduction in the risk of anemia (RR = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86-0.96)). Stratified analysis based on household wealth status indicated that the association between VAS and hemoglobin status was restricted to children from the poor households (RR = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61-0.90)). Effect size estimates among all children (Cohen’s d = 0.07) and children from poor households (d = 2.0) were modest.ConclusionSingle high dose VAS among Ethiopian children 6–59 months of age was associated with a modest increase in hemoglobin and decrease in risk of anemia. Household wealth status may modify the apparent association between VAS and hemoglobin status.
Highlights
Vitamin A deficiency can cause anemia as the nutrient is essential for hematopoiesis, mobilization of iron store and immunity
Single high dose Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) among Ethiopian children 6–59 months of age was associated with a modest increase in hemoglobin and decrease in risk of anemia
Household wealth status may modify the apparent association between VAS and hemoglobin status
Summary
Vitamin A deficiency can cause anemia as the nutrient is essential for hematopoiesis, mobilization of iron store and immunity. The objective of the current study is to assess the effect of single high dose VAS on the hemoglobin status of children aged 6–59 months. Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. It poses serious consequences for human health including increased risk of maternal and child mortality [1]. According to World Health Organization (WHO), anemia affects 24.8% of the world population and the burden is substantially high among preschool-aged children (47.4%), pregnant women (41.8%) and women of reproductive age (30.2%) [1]. The recent Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2011 reported 44.2%, 22.0% and 16.6% prevalence of anemia among preschool-aged children, pregnant women and nonpregnant women, respectively [3]. The previous EDHS 2005 reported relatively higher (53.5%, 30.6% and 26.6%) prevalences in the aforementioned three population groups, consecutively [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
