Objectives
To assess the prevalence of zinc deficiency and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the UOG Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at the UOG Hospital from March to May, 2015. A total of 377 pregnant women were selected by systematic sampling technique. Data on potential determinants of ZD were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood sample were collected to analyze biochemical indicators (Hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, serum albumin and HIV). Stool sample was collected to identify intestinal parasitic infections. Statistical analysis was done using logistic regression analysis method. P-value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significance.
Results
The prevalence of zinc deficiency among pregnant women was 57.4%. Living in rural area [AOR = 1.92; 95% CI (1.04, 3.56)], too close birth [AOR=3.97; 95% (1.30, 12.13)], low intakes of diet of animal origin [AOR = 2.29; 95% CI (1.35, 3.89)], inadequate dietary diversity [AOR = 2.09; 95% CI (1.24,3.51)], lack of nutrition education [AOR =1.78; 95% CI (1.10,2.86)], low serum albumin [AOR = 2.55; 95% CI (1.40,4.63)] and intestinal parasitic infection [AOR = 2.60; 95% CI (1.49,4.54)] were significantly associated with zinc deficiency.
Conclusions
Zinc deficiency is of public health concern in the study area. To combat the problems, nutrition education to increase knowledge as well as practices concerning the consumption of zinc rich foods and optimal dietary diversity, use of home based phytate reduction techniques and agricultural based approaches should be considered.
