DIVERSITE ALIMENTAIRE ET CONNAISSANCES DES CARENCES EN FER, VITAMINE A ET IODE : ETUDE DESCRIPTIVE CHEZ LES FEMMES EN AGE DE REPRODUCTION DE LA REGION DE MATAM

Abstract

introduction: Combating hidden hunger is crucial worldwide, and mastering knowledge of nutrition is an essential strategy to tackle this issue. This study aims to explore dietary diversity and the level of knowledge among women of reproductive age (WRA) in the Matam region regarding iron, vitamin A, and iodine deficiencies.methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Matam region. The data collection tool focused on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary diversity, and the level of knowledge among the target group. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software.results: The majority of WRA (80.3%) were aged between 20 and 49 years. Most participating women were neither pregnant nor lactating (90.0%), and a significant proportion (87.7%) had not received formal education. Among them, 87.7% were illiterate. Regarding dietary diversity, 36.7% of WRA had a low score, 42.8% had a moderate score, and 20.6% had a high score. The terms «anemia,» «vitamin A,» and «iodine» were unknown to 56.0%, 76.8%, and 83.5% of women, respectively. Information on these deficiencies was primarily obtained from healthcare facilities and the media. WRA lacked adequate knowledge of anemia (99.0%), vitamin A deficiency (97.0%), and iodine deficiency (99.7%).Conclusion: Anemia, vitamin A deficiency, and iodine deficiency were not well known among WRA in Matam. This lack of awareness may stem from insufficient sensitization and/or the educational level of the target group. It would be relevant to strengthen the use of conventional channels to increase awareness of these deficiencies.