Prevalence of zinc deficiency and its association with dietary, serum albumin and intestinal parasitic infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Zinc deficiency during pregnancy has far-reaching consequences on both mother and fetus and subsequent child survival. However, data on the prevalence and determinants of zinc deficiency among pregnant women are scanty and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of zinc deficiency and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Hospital from March to May, 2014. A total of 377 pregnant women were selected by systematic sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic factors, reproductive history and nutrition related factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood sample were collected to analyze biochemical indicators. Statistical analysis was done using logistic regression analysis method. P-value < 0.05 at 95 % confidence interval was considered as statistically significance. Results: The prevalence of zinc deficiency among pregnant women was 57.4 % (95 % CI: 52.2 %- 62.9 %). Living in rural area [AOR = 1.92; 95 % CI (1.04, 3.56)], too close birth [AOR = 3.97; 95 % (1.30, 12.13)], low intakes of diet of animal origin [AOR = 2.29; 95 % CI (1.35, 3.89)], inadequate dietary diversity [AOR = 2.09; 95 % CI (1.24,3.51)], lack of nutrition education [AOR =1.78; 95 % CI (1.10,2.86)], low serum albumin [AOR = 2.55; 95 % CI (1.40,4.63)] and intestinal parasitic infection [AOR = 2.60; 95 % CI (1.49,4.54)] were significantly associated with zinc deficiency. Conclusion: Zinc deficiency is of public health concern in the study area. To combat the problems, nutrition education to increase knowledge as well as practices concerning the consumption of zinc rich foods and optimal dietary diversity, use of home based phytate reduction techniques and agricultural based approaches should be considered.