Anaemia is a global public health issue, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anaemia and to identify factors associated with the condition among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Mbeya Region of Tanzania. A cross sectional study was conducted with 420 pregnant women (<28 weeks of gestation) attending antenatal visits in the 7 districts of the Mbeya Region. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and eating habits using a 24hours dietary recall. A blood sample was collected and tested for hemoglobin content using the HemoCue 201+. Multivariate analysis was performed using standard logistic regression to explore the association between anaemia status with socio-demographic, reproductive and nutritional factors. Overall prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women was 25.5%. Out of 107 pregnant women diagnosed with anaemia and, sixty six had mild anaemia. In a multivariate logistical regression analysis anaemic women was associated with pregnant women coming from lower socio-economic status [adjusted OR = 2.40, 95%CI (1.05, 5.48)]. Moreover, anaemia was less associated with pregnant women who were living in Mbeya district council [adjusted OR = 0.28, 95%CI (0.11, 0.72)], consume at least once a day dark green leafy vegetables [adjusted OR = 0.53, 95% CI (0.30, 0.94)], and vegetable liquid cooking oil [adjusted OR = 0.56, 95% CI (0.34, 0.98)]. The prevalence of anaemia among the pregnant women falls in the category of moderate public health problem according to the WHO classification. Low socio-economic status, consumption of green leafy vegetables and vegetable liquid cooking oil were significantly and independently associated with anaemia during pregnancy. Thus, special attention should be given to pregnant women who are in lower socio-economic status and those not consuming vegetables. Interventions that integrate health and nutrition education in reproductive and child health clinics are needed to combat anaemia.

Background: Insufficient and excessive iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems. In Tanzania, information available on iodine status during pregnancy is minimal. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status and its association with socio-demographic factors in pregnant women in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. Method: A cross sectional survey involving 420 pregnant women (n=420) registered in Reproductive and Child Health Clinics was conducted. Data were collected via interviews and laboratory analysis of urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Results: Median UIC was 279.4μg/L (+/-26.1) to 1915μg/L. Insufficient iodine intake (UIC below 150μg/L) was observed in 17.14% of participants, sufficient intake in 24.29% and 58.57% had intakes above the recommended level (>250μg/L). Pregnant women who consume fish had an increased risk of insufficient iodine [Adjusted OR7= 2.60 (95%CI 1.31-5.15)] while the risk was lower for those who attended primary education compared to non-formal education [Adjusted OR= 0.29 (95%CI 0.08-0.99)]. Pregnant women resident in Mbarali district aged between 35-49 years were associated with an increased risk of UIC above recommended level [Adjusted OR=4.09 (95%CI 1.85-9.010] and [Adjusted OR=2.51 (95%CI 0.99-6.330] respectively . Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant relationship between geographical factors (residence in the Mbarali district) and excess median urine iodine concentration, in addition, this study also found an association between consumption of freshwater fish and insufficient mean urine iodine concentration as indicated by the World Health Organization recommendation. Therefore, educational programs on iodine intake are needed as attending primary education was found to be a protective factor for insufficient median urine iodine concentration.

Background: Insufficient and excessive iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems. In Tanzania, information available on iodine status during pregnancy is minimal. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status and its association with socio-demographic factors in pregnant women in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. Method: A cross sectional survey involving 420 pregnant women (n=420) registered in Reproductive and Child Health Clinics was conducted. Data were collected via interviews and laboratory analysis of urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Results: Median UIC was 279.4μg/L (+/-26.1) to 1915μg/L. Insufficient iodine intake (UIC below 150μg/L) was observed in 17.14% of participants, sufficient intake in 24.29% and 58.57% had intakes above the recommended level (>250μg/L). Pregnant women who consume fish had an increased risk of insufficient iodine [Adjusted OR7= 2.60 (95%CI 1.31-5.15)] while the risk was lower for those who attended primary education compared to non-formal education [Adjusted OR= 0.29 (95%CI 0.08-0.99)]. Pregnant women resident in Mbarali district aged between 35-49 years were associated with an increased risk of UIC above recommended level [Adjusted OR=4.09 (95%CI 1.85-9.010] and [Adjusted OR=2.51 (95%CI 0.99-6.330] respectively . Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant relationship between geographical factors (residence in the Mbarali district) and excess median urine iodine concentration, in addition, this study also found an association between consumption of freshwater fish and insufficient mean urine iodine concentration as indicated by the World Health Organization recommendation. Therefore, educational programs on iodine intake are needed as attending primary education was found to be a protective factor for insufficient median urine iodine concentration.

ABSTRAK Embung Persemaian merupakan tempat di Kota Tarakan yang potensial menjadi destinasi wisata yang memberikan keuntungan ganda, karena fungsinya sebagai cadangan air baku dan tempat rekreasi. Permasalahannya adalah terjadinya paradok dari kedua fungsi tersebut. Oleh karena itu pengintegrasiannya memerlukan penelitian, desain dan pengelolaan yang komprehensif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk : (1) mengidentifikasi karakteristik biogeofisiknya; (2) menganalisis dan membuat sintesis dari potensi dan kendalanya; dan (3) menyusun konsep desain taman wisata sebagai display Eco Art park sesuai preferensi dan ekspektasi masyarakat. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode analisis spasial dan deskriptif serta metode persamaan kuantifikasi potensi visual. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh adalah:  (1) tapak Embung Persemaian secara signifikan memiliki potensi sebagai destinasi wisata baru dimana faktor pendorong dan penariknya adalah keberadaan dua embung, serta apresiasi dan ekspektasi positif dari masyarakat sekitar k; (2) aspek fisik dan biofisik seperti topografi, bentang visual yang berkarakter khas dan aksesibilitasnya yang mudah dan dalam lingkup urban, menjadi potensial dikembangkan sebagai wadah pemeragaan artwork - land art dan ilmu pengetahuan teknologi, serta konservasi lingkungan. Kesimpulannya Embung Persemaian Kota Tarakan berpeluang dikembangkan dengan pendekatan desain ekologis yang ditujukan untuk memberikan efek psychological distraction agar pengguna secara aktif berinteraksi dengan lingkungan. Kata kunci : embung persemaian, ecoart park, taman wisata, kota tarakan ABSTRACT Embung Persemaian is a place in Tarakan City that has the potential to become a tourist destination that provides multiple benefits, because of its function as raw water reserves and recreational areas. The problem is the occurrence of paradox from the two functions. Therefore integration requires comprehensive research, design and management. This study aims to: (1) identify its biogeophysical characteristics; (2) analyze and make a synthesis of potential and constraints; and (3) drawing up the design concept of a tourist park as an eco art park display according to the preferences and expectations of the community. The research method used is a spatial and descriptive analysis method and equation quantitative visual potential methods. The results of the research are: (1) the Embung Persemaian site has potential as a new tourist destination where the driving and pulling factors are the existence of two reservoirs, as well as positive appreciation and expectations from the surrounding community; (2) physical and biophysical aspects such as topography, visual landscapes with distinctive characteristics and accessibility that are easy and within the urban sphere, have the potential to be developed as a forum for artwork re-enactment - land art and technological science, and environmental conservation. In conclusion, Embung Persemaian is likely to be developed with an ecological design approach aimed at providing a psychological distraction effect so that users actively interact with the environment. Keywords: embung persemaian, ecoart park, tourist park, city of tarakan

Background: Deficient and excess iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems. In Tanzania, information available on iodine status during pregnancy is minimal. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status and its association with sociodemographic factors in pregnant women in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. Method: A cross sectional survey involving 420 pregnant women (n=420) aged between 15-49 years registered in antenatal care clinics was conducted. Data were collected via interviews and laboratory analysis of urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Results: Median UIC was 279.4μg/L (+/-26.1) to 1915μg/L. Insufficient iodine intake (UIC below 150μg/L) was observed in 17.14% of participants, sufficient intake in 24.29% and 58.57% had intakes above the recommended level (>250μg/L). Rungwe district council (DC) had the highest proportion of patients (27.9%) with low iodine levels, while Chunya and Mbarali DCs had the greatest proportion of those with UIC’s, over the WHO recommended level. Fish consumption and education status were associated with increased risk of insufficient iodine while individuals in Mbalali DC aged between 35-49 years were associated with increased risk of UIC above recommended level. Conclusion: Both deficient and excess iodine intake remains a public health problem, especially in pregnant women in Tanzania. Therefore, educational programs on iodine intake are needed to ensure this population has an appropriate iodine intake to prevent any health risks to the mother and the unborn child.