Second National Integrated Micronutrient Survey in Iran: Study Design and Preliminary Findings

The main objective of the Second National Integrated Micronutrient Survey (NIMS-II) was to assess the nutritional status of four micronutrients, namely iron, zinc, and vitamins A and D, and also to conduct an anthropometric assessment of selected groups of children, adolescents, pregnant women, and adults, disaggregated by sex and residential area in nationally representative samples. This paper reports the design of the study along with preliminary findings.

In this study, 32 770 individuals were selected by using single-stage cluster sampling. Venous blood samples were collected on site for laboratory analysis; interviews were conducted, and anthropometric measurements were performed.

The prevalence of anemia was highest (17.1%) among 15- to 23-month-old children; vitamin A deficiency was 18.3% in this age group. As regards iron deficiency anemia, the prevalence in all age/sex groups was less than 5%, ranging from 0.5% in 6-year-old children to 4.2% in 15- to 23-month-old children. Zinc and vitamin D deficiencies were highest among pregnant women (8% and 85.3%, respectively). Finally, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults was 40.3% and 29.2%, respectively.

Results of this study can help in designing nutritional intervention programs for nationwide implementation. Of all micronutrient deficiencies, vitamin D deficiency was the most prevalent in all study groups. Thus, appropriate actions should be taken in our community.