Prevalence, pattern and factors associated with ocular manifestations in malnourished children attending Mulago National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular manifestations are among a wide range of systemic manifestations associated with malnutrition. Children with malnutrition have micro-nutrient deficiencies which impair the body systems including ocular function. Objective: To determine the prevalence, pattern and factors associated with ocular manifestations in malnourished children admitted at MNU, Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Mwanamugimu Nutrition Unit (MNU), Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), between March 2022 and June 2022. Children who were aged 6 – 60 months diagnosed with Malnutrition and admitted with Malnutrition at MNU were enrolled into the study consecutively. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data among 156 participants. Ocular history and examination were conducted to elicit ocular manifestations. Data was analysis used STATA 14. Prevalence and patterns of ocular manifestation were obtained as percentages while factors with ocular manifestations were assessed using binary logistic regression analysis at 5% level of confidence. Results: The prevalence of ocular manifestation was 57.1% (89/156). The commonest ocular manifestations were Xerophthalmia, 31.5% (28/89) and anemic retinopathy, 22.5% (20/89). Factors associated with ocular manifestations were; residing in rural areas OR: 5.0 (2.00 – 12.50), being born to a multiparous mother OR: 4.88(1.72 - 13.83), stunting OR: 0.28(0.09 - 0.92) and mixed feeding OR: 6 0.40 (0.17 - 0.92) Conclusion and Recommendation: ocular manifestation especially Xerophthalmia and Anemic retinopathy are common among malnourished children. Children with malnutrition in particular those residing in rural communities and born to multiparous mothers be routinely screened for ocular manifestations, supplemented with Vitamin A and iron deficiency corrected early. Mothers should be encouraged to exclusively breast feed for 6 months.