biostudies-literatureUnknown14(3)Osei Bonsu E<h4>Background</h4>Iron deficiency is a major public health problem that affects the physical and cognitive development of children under 5 years of age (under-5 children) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the factors associated with the limited consumption of iron-rich foods in the region are poorly understood.<h4>Objective</h4>This study examined the prevalence and determinants of iron-rich food deficiency among under-5 children in 26 SSA countries.<h4>Design</h4>This nationally representative quantitative study employed pooled data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2010 and 2019.<h4>Methods</h4>Representative samples comprising 296 850 under-5 children from the various countries were used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between the lack of iron-rich food uptake and various sociodemographic factors.<h4>Result</h4>The overall prevalence of iron-rich food deficiency among the children in the entire sample was 56.75%. The prevalence of iron-rich food deficiency varied widely across the 26 countries, ranging from 42.76% in Congo Democratic Republic to 77.50% in Guinea. Maternal education, particularly primary education (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.68) and higher education (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.64), demonstrated a reduced likelihood of iron-rich food deficiency in the sample. Likewise, paternal education, with both primary education (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.75) and higher education (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.73) showed decreased odds of iron-rich food deficiency. Postnatal visits contributed significantly to reducing the odds of iron-rich food deficiency (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.95), along with antenatal visits, which also had a positive impact (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.95). Finally, residents in rural areas showed slightly higher odds of iron-rich food deficiency (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.28).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Based on the findings, interventions targeting iron-food deficiency in the SSA region should take into strong consideration the key determinants highlighted in this study.BMJ opene079856https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10928746biostudies-literatureDeterminants of iron-rich food deficiency among children under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa: a comprehensive analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys.PMC10928746Boadu EFBoadi COsei Bonsu EAddo IYOkeke SRfalseDeterminants of iron-rich food deficiency among children under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa: a comprehensive analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys.<h4>Background</h4>Iron deficiency is a major public health problem that affects the physical and cognitive development of children under 5 years of age (under-5 children) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the factors associated with the limited consumption of iron-rich foods in the region are poorly understood.<h4>Objective</h4>This study examined the prevalence and determinants of iron-rich food deficiency among under-5 children in 26 SSA countries.<h4>Design</h4>This nationally representative quantitative study employed pooled data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2010 and 2019.<h4>Methods</h4>Representative samples comprising 296 850 under-5 children from the various countries were used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between the lack of iron-rich food uptake and various sociodemographic factors.<h4>Result</h4>The overall prevalence of iron-rich food deficiency among the children in the entire sample was 56.75%. The prevalence of iron-rich food deficiency varied widely across the 26 countries, ranging from 42.76% in Congo Democratic Republic to 77.50% in Guinea. Maternal education, particularly primary education (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.68) and higher education (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.64), demonstrated a reduced likelihood of iron-rich food deficiency in the sample. Likewise, paternal education, with both primary education (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.75) and higher education (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.73) showed decreased odds of iron-rich food deficiency. Postnatal visits contributed significantly to reducing the odds of iron-rich food deficiency (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.95), along with antenatal visits, which also had a positive impact (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.95). Finally, residents in rural areas showed slightly higher odds of iron-rich food deficiency (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.28).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Based on the findings, interventions targeting iron-food deficiency in the SSA region should take into strong consideration the key determinants highlighted in this study.2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Mar2026-06-26T03:23:41.233Z2025-04-06T14:32:39.8ZS-EPMC109287463845879810.1136/bmjopen-2023-079856