Micronutrient Deficiencies and Related Factors in School-Aged Children in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Libo Kemkem and Fogera Districts, Amhara Regional State

Abstract

IntroductionThe present study describes the distribution of selected micronutrients and anaemia among school-aged children living in Libo Kemkem and Fogera (Amhara State, Ethiopia), assessing differences by socio-demographic characteristics, health status and dietary habits.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out during May–December 2009. Socio-demographic characteristics, health status and dietary habits were collected. Biomarkers were determined for 764 children. Bivariate and multivariable statistical methods were employed to assess micronutrient deficiencies (MD), anaemia, and their association with different factors.ResultsMore than two thirds of the school-aged children (79.5%) had at least one MD and 40.5% had two or more coexisting micronutrient deficiencies. The most prevalent deficiencies were of zinc (12.5%), folate (13.9%), vit A (29.3%) and vit D (49%). Anaemia occurred in 30.9% of the children. Children living in rural areas were more likely to have vit D insufficiency [OR: 5.9 (3.7–9.5)] but less likely to have folate deficiency [OR: 0.2 (0.1–0.4)] and anaemia [OR: 0.58 (0.35–0.97)]. Splenomegaly was positively associated with folate deficiency and anaemia [OR: 2.77 (1.19–6.48) and 4.91 (2.47–9.75)]. Meat and fish consumption were inversely correlated with zinc and ferritin deficiencies [OR: 0.2 (0.1–0.8) and 0.2 (0.1–0.9)], while oil consumption showed a negative association with anaemia and deficiencies of folate and vitamin A [0.58 (0.3–0.9), OR: 0.5 (0.3–0.9) and 0.6 (0.4–0.9)]. Serum ferritin levels were inversely correlated to the presence of anaemia (p<0.005).ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency and a moderate prevalence of zinc and folate deficiencies in school-aged children in this area. The inverse association of anaemia and serum ferritin levels may be due to the presence of infectious diseases in the area. To effectively tackle malnutrition, strategies should target not only isolated micronutrient supplementation but also diet diversification.

Vitamin D Levels Among Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition.

“…[4] VDD in chil-dren from other countries shows variable prevalence, for instance the prevalence among 12-24-month-olds in China was 65.3%; non-malnourished children in Qatar was 68.8%, urban children aged 1-6 years in Saudi Arabia was 63%, in rural Ethiopia among school-aged children in the community was 49% and hospitalized malnourished children in Uganda was 43.6%. [10][11][12][13][14] Except for the similarity of the co-hort between Uganda and this study, all other studies had different groups of children. Nevertheless, these data indicate that VDD is prevalent.…”

Small Area Estimation of Child Malnutrition in Ethiopian Woredas

“…International evidence also shows that many different interventions improve undernutrition outcomes, but also that similar interventions have different impacts in different settings and locations [5]. Various interventions have also been identified in Ethiopia to matter for undernutrition outcome, including: shocks and food aid [6], maternal education [7][8][9], ownership of selected assets such as cows [10], food availability and diversity [11][12][13], and access to trained and educated health professionals [14]. In line with the international evidence, the need for locally suited approaches has also been highlighted in Ethiopia [11].…”

Estado Nutricional E Fatores Associados Em Adolescentes De Campo Grande (Ms)

“…Estudo realizado entre crianças vivendo na Etiópia, com idades entre 4 e 15 anos, encontrou 29,3% de deficiência de vitamina A sérica. Após coleta de dados dietéticos verificou-se associação significativa entre o baixo consumo de alimentos fonte desse nutriente e a deficiência nos níveis séricos 28 . No presente estudo, alguns alimentos característicos da alimentação sul-mato-grossense, fontes de vitamina A, poderiam contribuir para potencializar a ingestão, entre eles o pequi, a manga, a bocaiuva e o milho verde, os quais poderiam compor a alimentação com maior frequência.…”