ABSTRACT
Objective: Identify the incidence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency/vitamin D insufficiency in children aged 1-5 years. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among children between the ages of 1 and 5 in the Bope-Poddala and Galle municipality areas. The sample was obtained by cluster sampling method. Data on socio-demography, pregnancy, sun exposure, and diet were obtained. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured and the cutoff value was determined as per the global consensus in 2016. Results: Among 100 children, the mean serum 25(OH)D level was 86.4 nmol/L (24.06 ng/mL). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency was 7% and 28%, respectively. Birth weight and sunlight exposure were significantly different among vitamin D deficiency/vitamin D insufficiency and sufficient groups. Both were found to be risk factors for vitamin D deficiency/vitamin D insufficiency in logistic regression. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency/vitamin D insufficiency is significant among children aged 1-5 years and decreased sun exposure and low birth weight are the main risk factors.
ABSTRACT
The consequences for adolescent health due to early life exposure to natural disasters combined with war are not known. We collected data from adolescents aged 12-13 years in Sri Lanka whose mothers were pregnant during the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 in a tsunami-affected region (n = 22), conflict-affected region (n = 35), conflict-plus-tsunami-affected region (n = 29), or controls in areas unaffected by either (n = 24). Adjusted body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-scores were 1.3, 1.0 and 2.0 for conflict, tsunami, and conflict-plus-tsunami, respectively, compared with the control group. Greater skinfold thickness and higher diastolic blood pressure were found in adolescents born in the conflict zone but no differences were found in height, head circumference, and waist circumference, or blood results, with the exception of serum insulin. Being born after a natural disaster or during conflict was associated with increased BMI and body fat during adolescent, which are associated with longer-term risk of noncommunicable disease.
