Zinc Status and Its Relationship with Linear Growth in School-Age Children in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria

Zinc deficiency is a widespread micronutrient problem in sub-Saharan Africa with well-documented effects on linear growth, immune function, and cognitive development in children. Despite its significance, population-level data on zinc status and its association with growth outcomes among school-age children in North East Nigeria remain limited. This study examines serum zinc status and its relationship with linear growth parameters in children aged 5 to 10 years in Yola North and Gombi local government areas of Adamawa State. An analytical cross-sectional design enrolled 350 children through school-based sampling. Serum zinc concentration was measured from venous blood samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with deficiency defined using International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group age and sex-specific thresholds. Dietary zinc intake was assessed using a quantitative 24-hour dietary recall on two non-consecutive days, and bioavailability was estimated based on phytate-to-zinc molar ratios in the diet. Anthropometric measurements including height-for-age z-score, weight-for-height z-score, and body mass index-for-age were collected using WHO-recommended procedures. Additional covariates including socioeconomic status, water sanitation and hygiene conditions, recent illness, and parasite infection history were recorded. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the independent association between serum zinc and height-for-age z-scores after controlling for confounders. Findings will provide biomarker-level evidence linking zinc status to growth faltering in Adamawa State, informing targeted micronutrient programming. Keywords: zinc deficiency, linear growth, school children, Adamawa State, micronutrient status.