Zinc deficiency as risk factor for stunting among children aged 2-5 years
Abstract: Stunting is a
nutritional problem in the form of linear growth disturbance caused by low
intake of macro- and micronutrients. The prevalence of stunting in children
aged 2-5 years in Semarang is higher in well-to-do families (67.2%) than in
poor families (32.8%). The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of low
adequacy levels of vitamin C, iron, zinc and low food expenditure as risk
factors of stunting among children aged 2-5 years.
Methods
This was a case-control study with a sample of 71 cases (stunting) and 71
controls (no stunting). The collected variables were adequacy levels of vitamin
C, iron, zinc and level of food expenditure. Nutrient intake data were obtained
with the semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), while data on
food expenditure were obtained through a food expenditure questionnaire. Data
analysis was performed using simple and multivariate logistic regression
method.
Results
The results of the simple logistic regression showed that low levels of
vitamin C ( OR=2.97; 95% CI=1.41 – 6.31), iron (OR=2.87; 95% CI=1.44 – 5.71)
and zinc (OR=9.24; 95% CI=2.02 – 42.12) were risk factors of stunting.
Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factor that most affected stunting
was a low level of zinc (OR=6.39; 95% CI=1.34 – 30.33). A low level of food
expenditure was not proven to influence the incidence of stunting.
Conclusions
A low level of zinc was the risk factor that most affects stunting in
children aged 2-5 years. Preventive strategies to prevent stunting and promote
healthy eating is recommended.
Keywords: Stunting; risk
factors; zinc; iron; children 2-5 years
Author: Salsa Bening, Ani
Margawati, Ali Rosidi
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170032