Encuesta mundial sobre la xeroftalmia : La hipovitaminosis A : Epidemiologia y aspectos de salud publica / A global survey on xerophthalmia : Epidemiology and public health aspects o hypovitaminosis A

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to review the problem of nutritional disorders of the eye; with that end in view, surveys were carried out between July 1962 and March 1963 in South and East Asia, in the Near East and Northern Africa, and in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The authors first examine the sources of information used, which included replies to specially prepared questionnaires; government statistics and hospital records; surveys (cases of xerophthalmia might be detected during the course of surveys of infectious diarrhea, especially shigellosis); vernacular names for this condition; and personal observations of the consultants. On analyzing the epidemiological aspects the authors point out that climatic conditions have less influence on the occurrence of xerophthalmia than might at first be thought; more important is the correct use of available foods. On the other hand, studies made in Vietnam showed that seasonal variations do have a significant influence, especially in places where changes in climate are more marked. Among the social and economic factors which play a role in the occurrence of xerophthalmia and other nutritional disorders of childhood, attitudes toward foods and especially their suitability for young children, mal-distribution of food in the family and the abandonment of breast feeding among the economically insecure have a profound effect. Etiologic