Micronutrient deficiency status among women of desert areas of western Rajasthan, India.

OBJECTIVE To assess the magnitude of three micronutrient deficiency disorders (iron, vitamin A and iodine), nutritional deficiencies and their association with related factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using the three-stage sampling technique, a study was conducted in twenty-eight villages of Jodhpur district. A total of 1193 women, 384 pregnant, 400 lactating and 409 non-pregnant non-lactating controls (15 years and above, women who have not attained their family status) were examined for three micronutrient deficiency disorders, nutritional deficiencies, dietary and associated factors. RESULTS Majority of the women were anaemic. Anaemia was higher among pregnant and lactating women (80.7 %). Severe anaemia was three-fold higher among pregnant and lactating women in comparison to controls (4.1 %). Vitamin A deficiency was observed to be higher among pregnant women (8.8 %). A high proportion of women (80.8 %) consumed salt, having inadequate iodine content. Median urinary iodine values were less in pregnant and lactating women than the WHO cut-off points. Consumption of pulses and legumes was low besides leafy vegetables. Average intake of nutrients showed deficiency of protein and energy, iron and folic acid and vitamin A deficiency. Anaemia and iodine deficiency disorder were found to be inversely proportional to education and income. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of anaemia in this study was higher in comparison to national-level studies besides the low consumption of normal iodised salt. Only 19 % of salt samples had adequate iodine content, which calls for caution. In addition to iodisation of salt, the study suggests the development of nutritional packages utilising local dietary aspects.