Prevalence of low plasma zinc concentration and related risk factors among young children and women of reproductive age in a nationally representative sample survey in Cameroon

Abstract

Information on the risk of zinc deficiency is required from nationally representative samples to assess the need for zinc intervention programs. We completed a multi‐stage, cluster survey of 812 children 12–59 mo of age and 853 women of reproductive age in Cameroon to assess plasma zinc concentration (PZC). 30 clusters were randomly chosen in each of 3 zones (North, South, and Large Cities); 10 households were randomly selected per cluster. IZiNCG recommendations for blood collection and processing and for measuring PZC were followed. PZC was measured by ICP‐OES; plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) and α1‐acid‐glycoprotein (AGP) were measured by ELISA. Mean (95% CI) PZC, adjusted for CRP, AGP, time since last meal and time of day of blood collection and elapsed time to centrifugation, were 56.1 (54.9–57.2) μg/dL among children and 50.9 (49.6–52.2) μg/dL among women. Low adjusted PZC (<65 μg/dL) was present in 81% (77–85%) of children and 89% (86–91%) of women (< 66 μg/dL for non‐pregnant and < 50 μg/dL for pregnant women). Risk factors for low PZC among both children and women were: living in the North region or in rural areas, low SES, and low maternal education. The high prevalence of low PZC among both children and women in Cameroon indicates an urgent need for zinc intervention programs.