Determinants Of Iron-Rich Food Deficiency Among Children Under 5 Years In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Demographic And Health Surveys
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMJ Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Iron deficiency is a major public health concern.
problem that affects the physical and cognitive
development of children under 5 years of age (under-5
children) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the factors
associated with the limited consumption of iron-rich foods
in the region are poorly understood.
Objective This study examined the prevalence and
determinants of iron-rich food deficiency among under-5
children in 26 SSA countries.
Design: This nationally representative quantitative study
employed pooled data from Demographic and Health
Surveys conducted between 2010 and 2019.
Methods: Representative samples comprising 296–850
under-5 children from the various countries were used.
Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were
used to determine the associations between the lack
of iron-rich food uptake and various sociodemographic
factors.
Result The overall prevalence of iron-rich food
deficiency among the children in the entire sample
was 56.75%. The prevalence of iron-rich food
deficiency varied widely across the 26 countries.
ranging from 42.76% in Congo Democratic Republic
to 77.50% in Guinea. Maternal education, particularly
primary education (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.68)
and higher education (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.64),
demonstrated a reduced likelihood of iron-rich food
deficiency in the sample. Likewise, paternal education,
with both primary education (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63
to 0.75) and higher education (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.60
to 0.73) showed decreased odds of iron-rich food
deficiency. Postnatal visits contributed significantly
to reduce the odds of iron-rich food deficiency (OR)
0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.95), along with antenatal visits,
which also had a positive impact (OR 0.84, 95% CI
0.74 to 0.95). Finally, residents in rural areas showed
slightly higher odds of iron-rich food deficiency (OR)
1.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.28).
Conclusion Based on the findings, interventions targeting
iron-food deficiency in the SSA region should take into
strong consideration the key determinants highlighted in
this study
Description
Research Article
Keywords
deficiency, children under 5 years, sub-Saharan Africa