Dietary Practices and Anaemia Prevalence Among Women of Reproductive Age in Sokoto State

Anaemia among women of reproductive age is a persistent nutritional challenge with consequences for maternal health and birth outcomes. This study examines dietary practices and the prevalence of anaemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Wamakko and Bodinga local government areas of Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Sokoto State records among the highest rates of anaemia in Nigeria, attributable to a combination of poor dietary diversity, high rates of malaria, and limited access to iron supplementation. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 320 women aged 15 to 49 years recruited through community household enumeration. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using a HemoCue photometer. Dietary iron intake was assessed using a quantitative 24-hour dietary recall administered on two non-consecutive days, and dietary inhibitors and enhancers of iron absorption were identified from the food lists reported. Structured questionnaires captured socioeconomic characteristics, menstrual regularity, obstetric history, and supplement use. Findings are expected to show high anaemia prevalence, driven by inadequate dietary iron intake, low consumption of iron bioavailability enhancers, and high phytate-rich staple consumption. Malaria co-infection was expected to compound haematological status. These results will guide targeted nutrition and health interventions for women of reproductive age in North West Nigeria. Keywords: anaemia, women of reproductive age, dietary iron, Sokoto State, haemoglobin.