Evaluation of the Coverage of Iron Requirements in Young Children Aged 6 to 59 Months from Basic Foods in Two Localities in North Togo: Awandjelo and Lama (Kara)

Abstract

Iron deficiency is one of the most widespread nutritional disorders in the world. It affects almost 60% of the population in developing countries, i.e. 3.5 billion people. Women of childbearing age and young children are the most vulnerable. Iron deficiency occurs when the intake and absorption of iron cannot compensate physiological needs, which are particularly high in young children because of their growth. Due to its impact on children's health, iron deficiency remains a major public health problem in Togo, with 70% of children aged between 6 and 59 months suffering from anaemia. In the face of this problem, the present study aims to establish the adequacy between dietary iron intake and physiological needs in order to contribute to strategies for handling this nutritional deficiency. To achieve this, 479 children (243 urban and 236 rural) aged 6-59 months from 447 households were the subject of this study. Food consumption was assessed using the 24-hour recall method; the nutritional value of the rations was assessed using the food composition table available in Africa. The results showed that 62% of the children studied had dietary iron intakes below the recommended levels and only 38% were able to cover their iron requirements. In fact, the mother's level of school education and the mother's economic activity were found to be strongly correlated with iron status in children. In the light of these data, it would seem wise to consider better nutritional intervention strategies, including nutritional education for women of childbearing age. The introduction of nutritional counselling through Information, Education and Communication (IEC), mobilisation and social marketing campaigns should therefore be promoted.