Serum Iron Status and Nutritional Anaemia Among Preschool Children in Taraba State

Iron deficiency anaemia remains the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency worldwide and disproportionately affects children under five years in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates serum iron status, total iron-binding capacity, and ferritin levels in preschool children aged 2 to 5 years attending immunisation clinics in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted, recruiting 180 children through stratified random sampling across both rural and urban communities. Full blood count parameters including haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin were determined alongside serum iron indices. Dietary intake assessments were conducted using 24-hour dietary recall administered to caregivers. Socioeconomic data and feeding practices were also recorded. Children with existing infections were excluded to minimise the confounding effect of acute phase response on iron markers. Findings are expected to reveal a significant prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, with rural children showing more severe deficits. The study also evaluates the correlation between exclusive breastfeeding duration and iron status. Results will inform community nutrition interventions and supplementation policies in the North East geopolitical zone. Keywords: iron deficiency anaemia, ferritin, preschool children, nutrition, Taraba State.