Socio-Demographic Factors Affect Zinc Status of Infants and Preschool Children in East Gojjam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of zinc deficiency among infants and preschool children. Methods: A community based, cross-sectional study was conducted in East Gojjam zone between October 2011 and April 2012. Sub-samples about 240 infants and preschool children were randomly selected in the study. Data on potential determinants of zinc deficiency were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum zinc concentration was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Student’s independent t-test and linear regression model. Results: The mean serum zinc concentration of infants and preschool children was 62.98 (±13.03) µg/dl (95% CI 61.32, 64.63 µg/dl). About 57.1% of the subjects were zinc deficient. The main determinants of low serum zinc status of infants and preschool children were age and number of family members living on the same land. Zinc status of older children was 3.67 µg/dl (95% CI -5.58,-1.77 µg/dl) lower than children who were aged 6-10 months. Serum zinc status of infants and preschool children is decreased by 0.83 µg/dl (95% CI-1.36, -0.30 µg/dl) with each additional family member. Food insecurity, dietary diversity, sex, child health, anthropometric indices, maternal education and wealth index were not associated with serum zinc status. Conclusions: The prevalence of zinc deficiency was more than two-fold of the value set by International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group. Such potential deficiencies require urgent attention including the endorsement of food fortification programs, complementary food preparation education and family planning implementation.