Xerophthalmia and malnutrition among pre-school children in Agaro town south-west Ethiopia.

A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in Agaro town to determine the magnitude of xerophthalmia and malnutrition in January 1993. 434 children (aged six months to six years), were selected randomly and by using the proportionate probability sampling technique from the eight 'kebeles' of the town. Data were collected by interviewing mothers/ care-takers of index children and by ocular and anthropometric examinations. From the total subjects studied, the proportion of males (54.6%) was higher than females (45.3%). Few mothers/ care-takers (24.5%) were found to be illiterate. According to the Waterloo classification, 18.6% were either wasted, stunted or both. The overall prevalence of xerophthalmia was 6.2%. Being malnourished and earning less than 700 birr / year were significantly associated with xerophthalmia (chi 2 = 6.23; P < 0.05). Finally, children with clinical signs of xerophthalmia and other eye diseases were treated accordingly and advice was given to mothers/care-takers of malnourished children.