Anthropometric and Micronutrient Status of School-Children in an Urban West Africa Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dakar (Senegal)

Abstract

BackgroundUrban areas in West Africa are not immune to undernutrition with recent urbanization and high food prices being important factors. School children often have a poor nutritional status, potentially affecting their health and schooling performance. Yet, generally school children do not benefit from nutrition programs. The objective of the study was to assess the anthropometric and micronutrient status of children from state schools in the Dakar area.MethodsSchool children (n = 604) aged from 5 to 17 y (52.5% girls, 47.5% ≥10 y) were selected through a two-stage random cluster sample of children attending urban primary state schools in the Dakar area (30 schools × 20 children). The prevalence of stunting (height-for-age<−2 z-scores) and thinness (BMI-for-age<−2 z-scores, WHO 2006, and three grades of thinness corresponding to BMI of 18.5, 17.0 and 16.0 kg/m2 in adults) were calculated from weight and height. Hemoglobin, plasma concentrations of ferritin (FER), transferrin receptors (TfR), retinol binding protein (RBP), and zinc, and urinary iodine concentrations were measured. Correction factors were used for FER and RBP in subjects with inflammation determined with C-reactive protein and α1-acid-glycoprotein.Results4.9% of children were stunted, 18.4% were thin, 5.6% had severe thinness (BMI-for-age<−3 z-scores). Only one child had a BMI-for-age>2 z-scores. Prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia was 14.4%, 39.1% and 10.6% respectively. 3.0% had vitamin A deficiency, 35.9% a marginal vitamin A status, and 25.9% zinc deficiency. Urinary iodine was <50 µg/L in 7.3% of children and ≥200 µg/L in 22.3%. The prevalence of marginal vitamin A, zinc deficiency, high TfR was significantly higher in boys than in girls (P<0.05). Height-for-age and retinol were significantly lower in participants ≥10 y and <10 y respectively.ConclusionUndernutrition, especially thinness, iron and zinc deficiencies in school children in the Dakar area requires special targeted nutrition interventions.

Nutrient Intake Is Insufficient among Senegalese Urban School Children and Adolescents: Results from Two 24 h Recalls in State Primary Schools in Dakar

“…Even if energy intake increased with age, insufficient fiber, protein and micronutrient intake and inadequate contribution of macronutrients to total energy intake were higher among adolescents compared to children <10 years, which suggests poorer nutrition in adolescents, where mean height for age was lower in the present study [9]. A research conducted in Cameroonian urban adolescents also reported a high prevalence of insufficient contribution of proteins to energy intake [21].…”

“…Here, 600 school children were randomly selected through a two-stage random cluster sampling of children attending state primary schools in the Dakar area (30 schools × 20 children). Details of study design and sampling are provided elsewhere [9]. Adolescents were defined as equal or above 10 years [10].…”

“…During the second 24 h, anthropometric measurements (height and weight), blood and urine samples were collected to measure vitamin A, zinc, iron and iodine status. Methods of blood samples analysis and assessment of micronutrient deficiencies as well as methods and results of socioeconomic survey are provided elsewhere [9]. …”

“…The authors conducted a cross-sectional study investigating anthropometry, micronutrient status and dietary intake among a representative sample of 600 children attending state primary schools in Dakar, Senegal. Results from anthropometric and biochemical data were published elsewhere [9]. Chronic malnutrition was low but acute malnutrition was prevalent, with less than 5% of the children being stunted and 18% of children having BMI(Body-Mass-Index)-for-age < −2 z -scores.…”

Kebiasaan jajan berhubungan dengan status gizi siswa anak sekolah di Kabupaten Gorontalo

“…26 Persentase stunting 4,9%, 18,4% kurus dan 5,6% status gizi sangat kurus ditemukan pada anak sekolah dasar di Dakar, Senegal berdasarkan pengukuran pada 604 siswa sekolah dasar, pengukuran zat gizi mikro menunjukkan 35,9% defesiensi vitamin A marginal dan 25,9% defesiensi seng. 27 Hasil penelitian di Visakhapatnam, India juga mendapatkan masih tingginya persentase masalah gizi kurang pada anak usia sekolah yakni 60%.…”