Iron status and dietary diversity of adolescent girls in selected urban and rural communities of Moshi district, Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Adolescence is the transitional phase of growth and development between childhood and
adulthood. It presents a window of opportunity to correct nutritional status of children.
Limited data are available on iron status among adolescents in Tanzania, including in
Moshi district, Kilimanjaro. The aim of this study was to assess iron status and dietary
diversity of adolescent girls in selected urban and rural communities of Moshi District.
A total of 311 adolescent girls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Height and
weight were taken. Hb concentration was measured using haemo-Cue photometer and
dietary data were gathered using 24hr recall. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS
and WHO-anthro. Results indicated that, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the
prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in urban (14.7%) and rural (18.5%)
communities. Also there was a significant difference in dietary diversity among
adolescent girls in urban and rural communities of Moshi (P< 0.05). Adolescent girls in
rural communities had a lower dietary diversity (8.3%) compared to their peers in urban
communities (4.9%). The prevalence of undernutrition among adolescent girls in rural
communities (23.8%) was higher compared to their peers in urban (19.6%) and the
prevalence of overweight/obese (26.6%) among adolescent girls in urban communities
was higher compared to their peers in rural communities (14.3%). Generally, there was a
significant difference in iron status and dietary diversity among adolescent girls living in
urban and rural communities of Moshi. It was recommended based on the results of this
study that adolescent girls in both communities should ensure intake of a more diversified
diet rich in fruits and vegetables, meat and meat products also engage in physical
activities such as games, sports and home activities.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Iron status, Adolescent girls, Dietary diversity