The Risk Factors Associated With The Development Of Nutritional Rickets In Children At Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

A study to determine the risk factors associated with development of nutritional rickets in children at Kenyatta National Hospital was carried out. It was a case control study. Sixty three children under 18 months of age who had vitamin D deficiency rickets constituted the cases. A hundred and twenty six children marched with cases for age and sex and without rickets were recruited as controls. The children were recruited from the general paediatric wards and the paediatric outpatient clinic (POPC). The age ranged from 2 112 months to 18 months with 9 months being the modal age. A higher percentage of children with rickets were born at a birth weight less than 2.5 kg (P < 0.001). Forty one percent of the rickets patients lived in flats. A higher percentage of children with rickets (51%) were not exposed to sunshine as compared to 3.2% of children without rickets (P < 0.001). Children with rickets were exposed to sunshine for fewer numbers of days per week and for shorter periods. There was no difference in the availability of animal products in the diets of children with or without rickets. Cod liver oil was used equally by both groups of patients with or without rickets. However the cod liver oil was used as a therapy for coughs and colds and not a preventive measure against rickets. In conclusion children with rickets were exposed to sunshine for fewer days per week, and for shorter duration. There was no significant difference in the availability of animal products in the diets of children in both groups. It is recommended therefore that mothers should be educated on the prevention of rickets in their children through regular exposure to sunshine and appropriate use of vitamin D supplements.