Nutrition education to improve dietary intake and micronutrient nutriture among children in less-resourced areas: a randomised controlled intervention in Kabarole district, western Uganda

  • Margaret Kabahenda Makerere University
  • Rebecca M Mullis University of Georgia
  • Jeugen G Erhardt SEAMEO-TROPMED RCCN
  • Christine Northrop-Clewes GAIN, Geneva
  • Sharon Y Nickols University of Georgia
Keywords: Nutrition education, feeding practices, vitamin A, C-reactive protein, anemia.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether nutrition education targeting the child-feeding practices of low- income rural caregivers will reduce anaemia and improve vitamin A nutriture of the young children in their care. Design: A controlled intervention trial, based on experiential learning theory. Forty-six women completed a nine-session nutrition education programme, while controls (n = 43) concurrently engaged in sewing classes. Setting: Two rural farming communities in the Kabarole district, western Uganda. Subjects: Less literate, low-income rural female caregivers and the children in their care (6-48 months). Outcome measures: Caregivers’ child-feeding practices and the children’s nutritional status were assessed at baseline, one month after intervention (Follow-up 1) and one year from baseline (Follow-up 2). Results: Caregivers in the intervention group reported improved child snacking patterns, food-selection practices, meal adequacy, and food variety. Children in the intervention group recorded lower haemoglobin levels at baseline (9.86 vs. 10.70 g/dl) and caught up with controls at Follow-up 1 (10.06 vs. 10.78 g/dl). However, changes were not sustained. Mean retinol-binding protein improved from 0.68 μmol/l (95% CI: 0.57-0.78) to 0.91 μmol/l (95% CI: 0.78-1.03) among intervention children, but remained approximately the same in controls. Vitamin A nutriture was influenced by infections. Conclusion: Nutrition education significantly improved feeding practices and children’s nutritional status. The effectiveness and sustainability of this programme can be enhanced if nutrition education is integrated into other food-production and public health programmes.

Author Biographies

Margaret Kabahenda, Makerere University
PhD in Human Nutrition Lecturer Department of Food Science and Technology Makerere University
Rebecca M Mullis, University of Georgia
PhD, RD Department of Foods and Nutrition
Jeugen G Erhardt, SEAMEO-TROPMED RCCN
PhD University of Indonesia
Christine Northrop-Clewes, GAIN, Geneva
PhD
Sharon Y Nickols, University of Georgia
PhD
Published
2011-02-19
How to Cite
Kabahenda, M., Mullis, R., Erhardt, J., Northrop-Clewes, C., & Nickols, S. (2011). Nutrition education to improve dietary intake and micronutrient nutriture among children in less-resourced areas: a randomised controlled intervention in Kabarole district, western Uganda. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 24(2), 83-88. Retrieved from http://sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/492
Section
Original Research