Malnutrition, anemia, micronutrient deficiency and parasitic infections among schoolchildren in rural Tanzania

Author summaryIn this study, we assessed the distribution and risk factors of nutritional indicators, anemia and micronutrient deficiency among schoolchildren of Kikwawila and Kiberege wards, Tanzania. Our analysis revealed that malnutrition in form of stunting and wasting is still very high among schoolchildren in this region. About 14% of children were found to be anemic. Micronutrient deficiency was highly variable ranging from 0.50% (Folate) to 35% (Vitamin A). Schoolchildren from most rural schools were more likely to be found stunted and deficient with at least one type of micronutrient. We also found that children infected with parasites were more likely to be diagnosed with anemia, abnormal levels of anemia markers and micronutrient deficiency. Efforts to control and eliminate malnutrition, anemia, micronutrient deficiency and parasitic infections would benefit from sustainable and integrated approaches such as deworming, micronutrient supplementation, health education, vector control and an improvement in access to clean water and improved sanitation. BackgroundMalnutrition, anemia, micronutrient deficiency and parasitic infections continue to impact the nutritional status and health of children in lower-income countries, however not enough data concerning this issue is available. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of nutritional indicators, anemia and micronutrient deficiency and their underlying risk factors among schoolchildren in south-eastern Tanzania. Method/Principal findingsThis cross-sectional study enrolled primary schoolchildren aged 6-12 years from Kikwawila and Kiberege wards, Tanzania. In total 471 schoolchildren underwent physical examination and provided blood, stool and urine samples for micronutrient level assessment, nutritional and anemia status, and parasitic infection status. We employed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine the association between nutritional statuses, anemia, micronutrient deficiency and parasitic infections. We found that 23.90%, 12.60% and 16.20% of schoolchildren were stunted, underweight and wasted, respectively. About 14% of schoolchildren were found to be anemic and were more likely to be diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum infection (aOR: 3.95, 95% CI: 2.73-5.67). Vitamin A (34.70%) and vitamin B12 (8.80%) were the most prevalent micronutrients found to be deficient in diagnosed children. Finally, we found that schoolchildren attending the most rural schools were five times more likely to be diagnosed with at least one micronutrient deficiency (aOR: 5.04, 95% CI: 2.38-11.44). Conclusions/SignificanceMalnutrition, anemia and micronutrient deficiency still pose a significant health burden among schoolchildren living in rural Tanzania. To effectively tackle this burden, health interventions such as deworming, micronutrient supplementation, vector control, health education and access to clean water and improved sanitation should be strengthened and made sustainable.