Beschreibung:
BackgroundMicronutrient deficiencies are major nutritional problems in developing countries: by adversely affecting health, performance, productivity, and income, they are thus a major impediment to economic development. However, little information is available on micronutrient status and associated risk factors among women of childbearing age and children in Benin.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of micronutrient deficiencies among both populations.MethodIn this cross‐sectional study, a household and health questionnaire was administered to 682 women of child bearing age 15–49 years old and 686 children 6–59 months old in 2014 in Kalalé district of Northern Benin. Blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum ferritin, serum retinol, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP). Multivariable statistical methods were employed to assess micronutrient deficiencies, anemia, and their association with socioeconomic and dietary factors.ResultsIn women, prevalence of anemia (48%) represented a severe public health problem, whereas prevalences of iron deficiency (ID, 17%), and vitamin A deficiency (VAD, 19%) were considered moderate, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA, 11%) was considered mild. In children, a similar pattern was observed for anemia (82%) whereas prevalences of ID (39%), IDA (33%), and VAD (44%) were also high. Low food diversity was a significant predicator of ID and VAD in women while underweight women had a greater risk for anemia. Child age had a significant effect on anemia, ID, and IDA prevalence, with the youngest age group (6–11 months) having the greatest risk for anemia and 12–23 months old children for the greatest risk for ID and IDA, as compared to other groups. Moreover, female and wasted children, and large family size had a greater risk for ID while the children of the business/salaried group of mothers had the lowest risk for anemia and VAD.ConclusionMicronutrient deficiencies are public health problems among women in childbearing age and their young children, and were greater among low food diversity women, young children and those from large family size. Thus, specific interventions are needed to improve food diversity and quality; improvements in environmental and social conditions could also help to mitigate the problems.