Peer-reviewed article
Prevalence and factors associated with zinc deficiency among preschool-age children in rural districts of Sidama region, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.
Kare AP, Assefa T, Desalegn BB, Astatkie A ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study measured zinc deficiency in 364 preschool-age children (24-59 months) in rural Sidama, Ethiopia, finding that over half (53.6%) had zinc deficiency. Children in larger households (five or more members), those with limited dietary diversity, and those with anemia had higher rates of zinc deficiency. The researchers suggest that improving diet diversity, promoting zinc-rich foods, and managing anemia could help reduce this problem.
Key points
- Overall prevalence of zinc deficiency was 53.57% (95% CI: 48.41%-58.66%) among 364 preschool-age children
- Children in households with five or more members had 53% higher prevalence of zinc deficiency (APR = 1.53)
- Unmet dietary diversity was associated with 22% higher prevalence of zinc deficiency (APR = 1.22)
- Anemic children had 26% higher prevalence of zinc deficiency (APR = 1.26)
- Mean age of study participants was 43.99 months, with 55.77% male
Limitations
This is a cross-sectional study, which can identify associations but not establish causation. The study was conducted in only rural districts of Sidama region, so findings may not be generalizable to urban areas or other regions of Ethiopia.
Abstract
Zinc deficiency among preschool-age children is a significant global public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with severe consequences for growth and development. However, research on zinc deficiency among preschoolers in Ethiopia, including the Sidama region, remains limited. To address this gap, we assessed the prevalence and factors associated with zinc deficiency among preschool-age children in rural Sidama. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 17 to October 3, 2024, involving 364 children aged 24-59 months. Study participants were selected via systematic random sampling. Serum zinc concentration was analyzed at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute's nutrition laboratory, and anthropometric indices were computed using WHO Anthro 2007 Software. We collected the data using KoboCollect. Modified Poisson regression was employed to identify factors associated with zinc deficiency using Stata 17. Among the preschool-age children surveyed, 203 (55.77%) were male, with a mean age of 43.99 months (standard deviation [SD] = 12.14). The overall prevalence of zinc deficiency was 53.57% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 48.41%-58.66%). Preschool-age children in households with five or more members had a 53% higher prevalence of zinc deficiency compared to those in smaller households (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.24-1.90). The prevalence was 22% higher in children with unmet dietary diversity (APR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01-1.46) and 26% higher in anemic children (APR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.51). The high prevalence of zinc deficiency among preschool-age children in rural Sidama highlights a critical public health concern. Contributing factors include larger family size, unmet dietary diversity, and anemia. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Interventions should focus on promoting zinc-rich foods through education and diet diversification, raising awareness about birth spacing to mitigate the impact of large family size, and implementing measures to prevent and manage anemia.