Subclinical Vitamin A Deficiency and Anemia among Women and Preschool Children from Northeast India

BACKGROUND: Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, Vitamin A, and iodine are important public health problems in India. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess subclinical Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anemia among women and preschool children from Northeast India. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out by adopting systematic sampling in Phek district of Nagaland. Data were collected from women on sociodemographic particulars, and finger prick blood was collected for hemoglobin and free-flowing drop for Vitamin A estimation on Whatman no. 1 filter paper. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anemia was 27%, 40%, 44%, and 52% among preschool children, nonpregnant nonlactating women, lactating mothers, and pregnant women, respectively, whereas VAD was 37% among preschool children and 24%–32% among adult women. The prevalence of VAD was observed high among those living in kutcha house, illiteracy of head of households, big family size, and low per capita income. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia and VAD are important public health problems among tribal population in spite of the rich biodiversity.