National incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of common micronutrient deficiencies in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2017: estimates from the global burden of diseases study

Abstract

Background: Understanding the national burden and trend of micronutrient deficiencies helps to guide effective intervention strategies under various circumstances. There is, however, a lack of evidence on trends, age-and sex-specific variations in Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to provide evidence on the trends of common micronutrient deficiencies including, dietary iron, iodine, vitamin A and other nutritional deficiencies in Ethiopia, from 1990 to 2017, using findings from the Global Burden of Disease study. Method: We used estimates from the GBD 2017 study to report the incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years of micronutrient deficiencies in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2017. All estimates, both crude counts, as well as all-age and age-standardized rates per 100,000 population, are accompanied by 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We summarized the age-and sex-specific patterns and we compared the burden with the sub-Saharan Africa and global estimate. Results: From 1990 to 2017, the age-standardized prevalence rate of dietary iron, vitamin A and iodine deficiency decreased by 20.1%, 16.7%, and 91.6%, respectively. However, MNDs still account for a large number of DALYs in the country. In 2017, the all-age total DALYs due to dietary iron deficiency were estimated to be 448.4 thousand [95% UI: 298.9-640.7], accounting for 1.18% of the total DALYs. Similarly, the all-age total DALYs due to vitamin A deficiency were 397.8 thousand [256.1-589.2]. The total DALYs due to iodine deficiency were estimated to be 89.6 thousand [48.3-155.4]. Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiencies and associated morbidity and mortality are still high in Ethiopia compared with the sub-Saharan and global estimate. Adolescent and early adult females and children aged under-five are disproportionately affected segments of the population. Therefore, in collaboration with other sectors, the National Nutrition Program needs to place greater emphasis upon improving accessibility and utilization of nutrient-rich foods and supplementation, particularly for vulnerable groups of the population.

Global, regional, and national burdens of common micronutrient deficiencies from 1990 to 2019: A secondary trend analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study

“…27 In addition, iodine deficiency in women can lead to devastating effects during pregnancy, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital malformations, neurosis, and increased perinatal and infant mortality. 26 We also found that the burden of iodine deficiency increased with higher SDI and HAQ index among developed countries. Most governments of developed countries, however, still give low priority to addressing iodine deficiency in their populations.…”

“…The high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa could be due to an interaction among inadequate dietary diversity, poor sanitation and infectious diseases. 26 As the most populous country in South Asia, India reported that household iodized salt consumption was only 51%, indicating that iodine intake is insufficient at the population level. 27 However, this situation is not limited to underdeveloped countries.…”

Global Burden of Vitamin A Deficiency in 204 Countries and Territories from 1990–2019

“…To our best knowledge, there are only a limited number of analyses on VAD burden in specific populations and limited regions based on the previous Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study [ 12 , 13 ]. Moreover, the previous GBD analyses have focused more on loss of vision due to VAD rather than VAD itself [ 2 , 14 ].…”

Magnitude, Trends, and Determinants of Iodized Salt Availability among Households in Ethiopia: Analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (2000–2016)

“…3-155.4]. 14 In nearly all countries where iodine deficiency occurs, it is now well recognized that the most effective way to achieve the virtual elimination of IDD is through universal salt iodization (USI). It is recommended as the most cost-effective, safe, and sustainable way to eliminate IDD.…”

“…13 In 2017, the total Disability Adjusted Life Years due to dietary iodine deficiency was estimated to be 89 600 [95% uncertainty interval 48.3–155.4]. 14 In nearly all countries where iodine deficiency occurs, it is now well recognized that the most effective way to achieve the virtual elimination of IDD is through universal salt iodization (USI). It is recommended as the most cost-effective, safe, and sustainable way to eliminate IDD.…”