national prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, anaemia, genetic blood disorders and over-and undernutrition in Omani women of reproductive age and preschool children

Abstract EN

A national cross-sectional survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies, haemoglobin disorders and over- and undernutrition in children and women of reproductive age in Oman.

Wasting and stunting were found in 9.3% and 11.4% of children aged 0–59 months, respectively, while 4.2% were overweight or obese.

In addition, 23.8% were anaemic and 10.2%, 9.5% and 10.6% had iron, vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies, respectively.

Sickle cell and β-thalassaemia genetic traits were present in 5.3% and 4.2% of children and 4.7% and 2.8% of women, respectively.

Overall, 9.1% of Omani women were underweight and 59.2% were overweight or obese.

The prevalence of anaemia was 27.8%, while iron, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies affected 24.8%, 11.6%, 8.9% and 16.2%, respectively.

Anaemia among both children and women and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in women are the most concerning nutritional problems in Oman.