Food-based indicators are related to iron and iodine deficiencies of mother–toddler dyads during the lean season in northern Ghana

Abstract

Fe and iodine deficiencies are among the common forms of nutritional deficiencies globally and cause detrimental effects on mother and child. In developing countries, strategies to address these problems rarely use preventative dietary approaches. This cross-sectional study aims to ascertain whether dietary diversity score (DDS) and dietary patterns (DP) can predict the associated risk (AR) of Fe and iodine deficiencies in mother–toddler dyads during the dry/lean season in northern Ghana. Data were collected from women (15–49 years; n 118) and their toddlers (6–23 months, n 121). Dyads DDS and DP were calculated from their food intake recall. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine whether DDS, DP and socio-demographic factors predict higher odds of Fe and iodine deficiencies in dyads. DDS and DP predicted Fe and iodine deficiencies AR. Compared with DDS ≥4, women with DDS <4 have higher odds of Fe deficiency (ID) (adjusted OR (AOR) 1·82, 95 % CI 1·03, 3·21) and iodine deficiency (AOR 9·73, 95 % CI 3·19, 29·67). Two DP emerged in principal component analyses, ‘rural elites diet’ predicted ID risk in mothers (AOR 8·65, 95 % CI 1·76, 42·39), while ‘indigenous diet’ predicted iodine deficiency risk (AOR 11·41, 95 % CI 1·36, 95·97) in mothers only. The AR of Fe and iodine deficiencies in vulnerable populations may be predicted by diet-based measures in northern Ghana. We recommend further research into DDS and DP to predict Fe and iodine status of mother–toddler dyads in Ghana.

Determinants of dietary patterns of Ghanaian mother-child dyads: A Demographic and Health Survey

“…The monotonous nature of diets could also be the reason for the similarity in mother-child dyads' dietary patterns. One 24-hour recall used in this study is sufficient to approximate routine or customary food intake in this environment due to the monotony of the diet [35].…”

Suitability and Potential Nutrient Contribution of Underutilized Foods in Community-Based Infant Foods in Northern Ghana

“…Additionally, there is proof that a lack of variety in a child's diet during the first year of life may increase their chance of developing allergies and asthma later in life [13]. Unfortunately, data from Northern Ghana indicate that the average diet is monotonous and the supplemental foods given to young children are primarily cereal-based, no doubt helping to drive the high prevalence of malnutrition [15,16]. According to a recent micronutrient study, children in northern Ghana had a higher prevalence of stunting (25.3%), anemia (53.2%), and vitamin A deficiency (30.6%) compared to children in southern Ghana (16.6%, 32.3%, and 17.0%, respectively) [17] Ghana's infant and young child feeding is sub-optimal, particularly in the northern belt of Ghana [16].…”