Assessment of vitamin A deficiency indicators in urban slum communities of National Capital Territory of Delhi.

A study was conducted to assess the magnitude of Vitamin A deficiency in two urban slum communities of Delhi. Biological and ecological indicators suggested by WHO/UNICEF 1992, were used. Five hundred and fifty two children in the age group of 0-5 years were studied. Data was collected on socio- economic status, breastfeeding pattern, immunisation, morbidity profile and presence of vitamin A deficiency. Height and weight were recorded using standard techniques. Vitamin A intake of subjects was assessed using food frequency and 24 hr recall methods. It was found that 63.9% children >1 year of age were fully immunised. Colostrum was received by only 28.1% of children. Only 32% infants <4 months of age were exclusively breastfed. Breast milk was being received by 93.5% children <6 months old. 18.1% children had diarrhoea within last 15 days of survey. 7.1% children gave history of helminthic infestations. 47.8% children <3 yrs were stunted while 26.9% were wasted. None of the children had Bitot's spots but nightblindness was observed in 1.2% children. 35.7% children (12-24 months) consumed vitamin A rich foods less than once A week. The frequency of consumption of vitamin A rich foods was significantly higher in winter as compared to summer and rainy seasons (p<0.05). The mean daily vitamin A intake for 6-11 months and 12-71 months old children was 1187±755 m g and 847±111m g respectively. It was concluded that moderate vitamin A deficiency was present in the study area.