Effect of Socio-Demographic Factors on Zinc Status of Infants and Preschool Children in East Gojjam, Amhara Region of Ethiopia

Zinc deficiency is a public health concern and is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of zinc deficiency among infants and preschool children. Based on a community, the cross-sectional study was conducted in East Gojjam between October 2011 and April 2012. Two hundred and forty infants and preschool children were randomly selected in the study. Data on potential determinants of zinc deficiency were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum zinc concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA, independent sample student’s t-test and linear regression model. The mean serum zinc concentration of infants and preschool children was 62.98 (± 13.03) μg/dL in 95% confidence interval (CI) between 61.32 and 64.63 (i.e., 95% CI: 61.32, 64.63). About 57.1% of the subjects were zinc deficient. The main determinants of low serum zinc status of infants and preschool children were age and number of family members living on the same land. Zinc status of older children was 3.67 μg/dL (95% CI: -5.58, -1.77) lower than children who were aged 6-10 months. Serum zinc status of infants and preschool children is decreased by 0.83 μg/dL (95% CI: -1.36, -0.30) with each additional family member. Food insecurity, dietary diversity, sex, child health, anthropometric indices, maternal education and wealth index were not associated with serum zinc status. Zinc deficiency among infants and preschool children is highly prevalent. Such potential deficiencies require urgent attention, including complementary food preparation education, traditional phytate reduction method and family planning implementation recommended in the study area.