Distribution of Iron, Vitamin A and Zinc Deficiencies in Children and Women in Senegal

Abstract

Objectives: Reliable data on the micronutrient status of women and children was needed in Senegal to guide evidence-based decision making on interventions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies (MND). This study presents the findings of the first ever national MND survey carried out in Senegal in 2010. Methods:  A cross sectional household survey sampled 1,810 households stratified by two urban and two rural zones.  Data were collected on biochemical indicators of iron, vitamin A and zinc deficiency from 1,316 women 15-49 y and 1,887 children 12-59 mo.  The analysis adjusted for sub-clinical inflammation. Results: Subclinical inflammation affected 27.7% of women and 49.5% of children.  44.7% women and 61.5% children had serum ferritin below 15 or 12 µg/l, respectively. 2.1% women and 18.2% children had serum retinol <0.70 µmol/l; 66.7% women and 39.6% children had serum zinc below cutoff. Only 12.8% of women and 11.6% of children had no MND; 18.4% of women and 15.4% of children had at least 3 coexisting MND. The risk of a child having iron (OR 2.70; [1.49, 4.88]) or vitamin A (OR 13.66; [4.07, 45.84]) deficiency was higher in households where a woman had iron or vitamin A deficiency.  Child anemia (66%) and zinc deficiency were not related to the status of women in the household. Women and children in rural areas were more affected by iron and vitamin A deficiencies compared to urban areas. Conclusions: MND affect a large proportion of women and children in Senegal. Further study of factors contributing to Intra-household clustering and rural/urban differences of MND is warranted.