Vitamin A deficiency in Afghanistan.

PURPOSE: To evaluate children 6 years old and younger, lactating mothers, and women of childbearing age for vitamin A deficiency in the districts of Kabul City, Afghanistan.

METHODS

A set number of patients selected randomly in all 13 districts of the city limits were examined between August and September 2000 for ocular signs of vitamin A deficiency.

RESULTS

Night blindness, Bitot's spot, corneal ulceration, and corneal scars were seen in increased amounts as defined by the World Health Organization among the sampled population.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin A deficiency is a moderate to severe public health problem in children and lactating mothers in Kabul City, Afghanistan.