Analyzing Causes of Rickets in Children under Five Years and Solutions Available in India

Abstract

Purpose: Rickets is a common disorder among children under five years mostly in the developing countries. It negatively affect normal growth and development of children thereby reducing their genetic potential. The purpose of this study was to analyze the cause of rickets in children under five years and solutions available. Methodology: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional approach and was conducted in the pediatric outpatients department of the Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) Hospital & University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) Delhi. The study period was one year from September 2021 to September 2022 on 130 diagnosed cases of the rickets. Patients were enrolled via non- probability convenient sampling technique and a set developed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected through self-structured questionnaire after taking informed consent. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26. Findings: Nutritional rickets was prevalent among children aged between one and three years with males being 61.74% and females being 38.26%. Children from lower socioeconomic background comprised 59% while children under exclusive breastfeeding comprised about 62%. Additionally, children supplemented cow’s milk but had rickets were 38% while children exposed to less sunlight comprised 57%.  The study also found out that children that were exposed to sunlight when fully clothed had incidence of rickets at rate of 48% while children who were not oil-massaged during sunlight exposure comprised 31%. Finally, children who were subjected to unbalanced nutrition comprised about 78.34% while children whose mothers were under poor nutritional status comprised about 67%. Conclusion: The study conclude that children aged between one and three years are more susceptible to rickets than children between four and five years. The study also conclude that lower socioeconomic background, male gender, exclusive breastfeeding, unbalanced nutrition and mother’s poor nutritional status all contribute to high incidences of rickets in children under five years. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption in your body. This plays a key role in maintaining bone strength and skeletal integrity. Recommendations: Supplements should be added in the diet of children during breastfeeding. Also, there should be adequate sunlight exposure of children. Finally, malnutrition of both children and mothers should be treated.