THE PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY AMONG CHILDREN BETWEEN 6- 9 YEARS OLD, EL FATEH QURAN SCHOOL, OMDURMAN LOCALITY, KHARTOUM STATE, SUDAN

There is a substantial documentation of prevalence, severity and health consequences of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in preschool-aged children, very few studies have been done to find out the extent of VAD among Quran pupils. This was a cross-sectional descriptive analytical study conducted in Elfateh Quran School, Omdurman locality. The objectives were to measure the prevalence of Xerophthalmia among Quran pupils in El-Fateh city and to relate it with socio demographic factors. All students between 6 to 9 years age in ELfatih Quran pupils were considered as target of this study, total coverage was done during the study period from(august to October)2012, and they were 220 students. Data was collected by using a questionnaire and eye examination to all students targeted age group. Data analyzed by using SPSS programs. The study found that the prevalence of VAD was 19.1%, of which 18.2% among boys which is significantly lowers than 0.9% among girls. The prevalence of night blindness was 7.3%, Bitots spots were 4.1%, corneal xerosis 5% and 2.7% were night blindness ± eye sign. The study concluded that the prevalence of VAD among study population was (19.1%). Institutional caregivers should be made aware of the importance of providing a balanced diet rich in vitamin A. They should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of VAD for early detection of xerophthalmia and hence take measures of early treatments.