Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency Among School Children in a Rural Setting in North-Central Nigeria
[1]
Rose Okwunu Abah, Department of Paediatrics, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria.
[2]
Seline N. Okolo, Department of Paediatrics, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.
[3]
Collins John, Department of Paediatrics, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.
[4]
Martha O. Ochoga, Department of Paediatrics, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria.
Background: Zinc deficiency is believed to be widespread especially in low income countries like Nigeria. However, the exact burden of this problem among school children is not known. This study therefore aims to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency among school children in a rural setting in North-central Nigeria as well as identifying possible contributing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 363 subjects selected from 10 out of 85 schools was carried out between Oct 2012 and Mar 2013. Data on demographic, nutritional, physical and biochemical parameters were collected and analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Serum zinc was assayed by flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. [1]. Results: Ninety-nine percent of the subjects were zinc deficient. The subjects from the lower socio-economic class had significantly lower mean serum zinc levels compared with those from the middle and upper class, P = 0.003. In about 79% of the subjects, the staple food is from unrefined maize. Conclusion: The prevalence of zinc deficiency is very high among the subjects and inadequate dietary zinc intake is a major contributing factor.
Deficiency, Dietary, Schoolchildren, Zinc, Nigeria
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