Status of Anemia, Zinc and Copper Among Adolescent Girls In Lode-Hitosa Wereda, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia
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2018-06-05
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Abstract
Background: Adolescent growth and development is closely linked to the diet they receive during childhood. The physical and physiological changes that occur in adolescents place a great demand on their nutritional requirements and make them more vulnerable to micronutrient deficiency. Copper and zinc are essential trace elements and nutrients, which have important roles in physiology and disease and as cofactors in many metabolic pathways. Anemia is a widespread condition of known public importance.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the status of zinc, copper and anemia among adolescent girls aged 15-20 years old living in Arsi zone, Lode-Hitosa wereda, Ethiopia.
Methodology: A cross sectional study involving 257 participants was carried out in Lode-Hitosa wereda (Huruta), Oromiya region. An interviewer-administered questionner was used to gather socio-demographic characteristics and dietary pattern. Epinfo was used to enter data from questionnaires. A total of (4ml) blood samples were collected from each study participants. Blood samples of participants were analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb), (ferritin, C-reactive Protein (CRP), and Acid Glycoprotein (AGP)); and serum zinc and copper. Serum Zinc and Copper status were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20 software for Windows.
Result: The total prevalence of anemia among the adolescent girls was 8.7% (milder form of anemia accounts for nearly all the cases). Iron status was also determined using serum ferritin (SF) values after adjusting for the presence of infection/inflammation based on CRP and AGP values. The prevalence of clinical iron deficiency after adjusting was very low (8.7 %, SF < 12 μg/L). However, a significant proportion had a marginal iron store (41 %, SF< 50 μg/L). The prevalence of infection in the area was about 17 %, of which 0.8%, 1.5 % and 14.8 % were in incubation, early and late convalescence phase, respectively. The prevalence of low serum zinc (<65μg/dl) was 49.2% and lower serum copper (<90μg/dl) was about 21%. An important proportion of adolescent girls (35 %) were underweight Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18.5. The mean number of food groups consumed was about 3. The consumption of nuts and seeds, vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, flesh foods, and dairy products were very low. ix
Conclusion: The prevalence of low serum zinc concentration was high; Deficiency of Cu has been considered a rarity. Low zinc content of the diet and consumption of dietary and other substances that lower zinc bioavailability are important factors in the pathogenesis of primary zinc deficiency. However, in the context of Huruta, inclusion of foods rich in bioavailable zinc will be difficult to achieve since zinc rich foods are usually animal origin and high cost. In this study area, the consumption pattern are based on cereals and plants which have high content of phytate, so, processing techniques such as soaking, germination or fermentation at household based should be encouraged. Knowledge and practice on importance of dietary diversity is poor and need to be improved by educational classes.
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Anemia, Adolescent Girls, Zinc, Copper, Ferritin, Ethiopia