Assessment of the Serum Zinc Status of Expectant Mothers Visiting the Antenatal Care (ANC) Clinic At Embu Level Five Hospital in Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies (MND) are of great concern in public health and affect at-risk populations in low-and Middle income and developing countries, including pregnant women. Zinc deficiency, is significant in pregnant women. In particular, zinc deficiency is prevalent among pregnant women in resource-limited households. This is largely attributed to overreliance on cereal- and legume-based diets rich in phytates that inhibit zinc absorption. In Kenya, nearly 68.3% of pregnant women are zinc-deficient, yet County-level data remain limited.
Objective: This study assessed the serum zinc status among expectant mothers who visited the Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic at Embu Level Five Hospital in Embu County, Kenya
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical design, involving pregnant women (n=156) systematically sampled pregnant women attending antenatal care at Embu Level Five Hospital. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Serum zinc was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and regression statistical methods with SPSS version 26. The chi-square test was applied to determine whether significant associations existed between selected variables. To determine whether there were differences in the dependent variable and serum zinc concentration across the various independent variable groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the independent samples t-test were applied. Data obtained from focus group discussions (FGDs) were transcribed and analyzed through NVIVO for identification and classification of emerging themes.
Results: Most participants were young mothers (20-24 years), with three or fewer parities, and 63.5% reported supplement use summarized in frequencies and proportionsMean serum zinc concentration was 67.50±10.90 μg/dl, with significant trimester-based declines: 76.28 μg/dl (first), 65.87 μg/dl (second), and 56.40 μg/dl (third) (p=0.000). Regression analysis showed dietary zinc intake and supplementation explained 67.2% of serum zinc variation.
Conclusion: This is one among the few studies that focus on the serum zinc status among expectant mothers who visit the Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic at Embu Level Five Hospital in Embu County, Kenya.The study concludes that zinc deficiency remains a nutritional concern in Embu County, driven by plant-based diets.
Recommendation: Promoting home-based food processing techniques and dietary diversification may enhance zinc bioavailability and improve maternal nutrition.