Zinc Deficiency in Sri Lanka: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

Objectives: Optimum zinc nutrition is essential for adequate growth of young children. In Sri Lanka, available information on zinc deficiency is very limited. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of zinc deficiency among children between 6-59 months and to identify the risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 4,473 children aged 6-59 months. Demographic, socioeconomic, and dietary information was collected. Anthropometric and biochemical indices were determined. Serum zinc was determined using Atomic Absorption Method. Anthropometric data were analysed using World Health Organisation standards. Results: The mean serum zinc value was 82.3±15.8 µg/dL. Nine per cent of children were zinc deficient (serum zinc < 70 µg/dL). Prevalence between districts varied from 2.1% to 21.9%. A higher level of diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections and viral fever during the last 2 weeks was documented among children with zinc deficiency (P>0.05) compared to non-deficient children. Children who received worm treatment during the last 6 months had significantly lower level of zinc deficiency (P=0.008). Mean height (P=0.18) and mean HAZ (P=0.5) were lower and stunting (P=0.5) was higher among zinc deficient children. Children with zinc deficiency had consumed rice (P=0.000), kankun (P=0.03), coconut (P=0.000) and milk (P=0.03) for lesser number of days during the last 7 days than non-deficient children. Conclusions: Zinc deficiency is a mild public health problem in Sri Lanka. It may be related to adequate food consumption patterns in the country. It is important to improve dietary practices in districts with high prevalence of zinc deficiency.