• Sharad Giramkar

This study deals with to assess the prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) and other common health concerns among preschool children in Navhare and surrounding villages of Pune District, Maharashtra, India, while evaluating the impact of environmental factors on these conditions. A total of 486 preschool children were examined to document health issues and assess potential environmental risk factors. The findings revealed that 8.7% of the children exhibited symptoms of VAD, with specific conditions including night blindness (1.8%), xerophthalmia (3.2%), Bitot’s spots (3.6%), and conjunctival xerosis (3.4%). Other health concerns documented were scleral melanocytosis (5.1%), dental caries (2.9%), and skin infections (4.7%). Environmental factors such as increased water and air pollution, lack of hygienic practices, poor sanitation as well as the consumption of untreated bore well water were identified as main reasons for these health conditions. The study underscores the urgent need for public health interventions, including improved nutritional programs, better sanitation infrastructure, and access to safe drinking water, to lessen the risks associated with VAD and other prevalent health conditions. The findings highlight the importance of early detection and preventive measures to improve the health outcomes of children in rural communities.

Environmental Impact, Vitamin A Deficiency, Bitot’s Spots, Dental Caries, Night Blindness, Skin Infections, Preschool Children, Rural Health.

"IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ON VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN NAVHARE AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES OF PUNE DISTRICT, M/S, INDIA.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.c773-c776, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503293.pdf

"IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ON VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN NAVHARE AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES OF PUNE DISTRICT, M/S, INDIA.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. ppc773-c776, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503293.pdf