Abstract
BackgroundUrban areas in West Africa are not immune to undernutrition with recent urbanization and high food prices being important factors. School children often have a poor nutritional status, potentially affecting their health and schooling performance. Yet, generally school children do not benefit from nutrition programs. The objective of the study was to assess the anthropometric and micronutrient status of children from state schools in the Dakar area.MethodsSchool children (n = 604) aged from 5 to 17 y (52.5% girls, 47.5% ≥10 y) were selected through a two-stage random cluster sample of children attending urban primary state schools in the Dakar area (30 schools × 20 children). The prevalence of stunting (height-for-age<−2 z-scores) and thinness (BMI-for-age<−2 z-scores, WHO 2006, and three grades of thinness corresponding to BMI of 18.5, 17.0 and 16.0 kg/m2 in adults) were calculated from weight and height. Hemoglobin, plasma concentrations of ferritin (FER), transferrin receptors (TfR), retinol binding protein (RBP), and zinc, and urinary iodine concentrations were measured. Correction factors were used for FER and RBP in subjects with inflammation determined with C-reactive protein and α1-acid-glycoprotein.Results4.9% of children were stunted, 18.4% were thin, 5.6% had severe thinness (BMI-for-age<−3 z-scores). Only one child had a BMI-for-age>2 z-scores. Prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia was 14.4%, 39.1% and 10.6% respectively. 3.0% had vitamin A deficiency, 35.9% a marginal vitamin A status, and 25.9% zinc deficiency. Urinary iodine was <50 µg/L in 7.3% of children and ≥200 µg/L in 22.3%. The prevalence of marginal vitamin A, zinc deficiency, high TfR was significantly higher in boys than in girls (P<0.05). Height-for-age and retinol were significantly lower in participants ≥10 y and <10 y respectively.ConclusionUndernutrition, especially thinness, iron and zinc deficiencies in school children in the Dakar area requires special targeted nutrition interventions.
Highlights
The prevalence of food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa is the highest in the world, with rates as high as 30% of the population being undernourished [1]
Albeit the general assumption that urban populations have access to more diversified foods, studies in West Africa haveshown that micronutrient status can be low in urban areas [5]
Iodine deficiency (IDD) was defined by a median UIC below 100 mg/L and/or a proportion of participants below 50 mg/L higher than 20%
Summary
The prevalence of food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa is the highest in the world, with rates as high as 30% of the population being undernourished [1]. Albeit the general assumption that urban populations have access to more diversified foods, studies in West Africa haveshown that micronutrient status can be low in urban areas [5]. Nutrition interventions generally neglect school children despite their high prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency [6]. Iron and folic acid micronutrient deficiencies affect the development of the brain and cognitive functions of school children [7]. School children often have a poor nutritional status, potentially affecting their health and schooling performance. The objective of the study was to assess the anthropometric and micronutrient status of children from state schools in the Dakar area
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