Assessment of Micronutrient Deficiencies among Women of Reproductive Age in Some Selected Urban and Rural Areas of Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi state, Nigeria

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies pose significant risks to maternal and child health in resource-limited settings. This cross-sectional study utilizes anthropometric, biochemical assays, and dietary recall to assess the prevalence and determinants of iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, and serum total protein deficiencies among 120 pregnant women (aged 15–49 years) in three urban and three rural communities of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Nigeria. The results reveal Iron deficiency was prevalent in both (urban: 4.59 ± 0.91 µmol/L; rural: 3.43 ± 0.51 µmol/L compared to normal: 10.7–28.6 µmol/L), as was zinc deficiency (urban: 4.18 ± 0.39 µmol/L; rural: 4.08 ± 0.43 µmol/L compared to normal: 10–18 µmol/L). Calcium levels were low (urban: 1.04 ± 0.21 mmol/L; rural: 1.11 ± 0.24 mmol/L compared to normal: 2.1–2.6 mmol/L), with higher deficiency in urban areas. Vitamin A was adequate (urban: 1.49 ± 0.15 µmol/L; rural: 1.43 ± 0.17 µmol/L compared to normal: >1.05 µmol/L), while total protein was elevated in (urban: 9.81 ± 1.4 g/dL; rural: 9.56 ± 1.1 g/dL compared to normal: 6.0–8.0 g/dL). Urban women had higher dietary diversity (56.6% consumed 3–5 food groups vs. 61.6% rural, consuming <3, p=0.015) and better food security (p=0.0001). Iron deficiency was associated with low education (p=0.002) and subsistence farming as an occupation (p=0.001). Targeted interventions, including supplementation and dietary diversification, are needed to address these deficiencies.