Effects of; Serum
Conditions
Brief summary
Malnutrition among children, especially stunting is a public health problem in Cameroon. This study assesses the impact of zinc supplementation of children and nutrition education of mothers on the nutritional status of the children in the rural community. Dietary surveys, nutritional status, zinc supplementation of children and nutrition education of mothers were carried out. After nutrition education and zinc supplementation, the study showed positive impact of both intervention on the nutritional status of children.
Detailed description
A questionnaire was developed, tested and adjusted prior the field survey. During the study, the knowledge of mothers on child nutrition, the eating habits of children, the estimated consumption of energy, nutrients of children and food availability on the market during harvesting and sowing seasons were evaluated. Moreover, data on zinc supplementation and nutrition education sessions conducted with mothers of these children were collected. The impact of zinc supplementation and maternal education was evaluated by measuring height/age, weight/age and weight/height indices, and levels of serum albumin, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorus before and after interventions.
Interventions
The 25 supplemented children had received an oral zinc supplement per day for 14 days and had no dietary restrictions.
BEHAVIORALNutrition education of mothers
Nutritional information was delivered to each mother to facilitate a change in bad eating habits observed, improve knowledge, attitudes and skills of mothers on child nutrition. The anthropometric and biochemistry parameters of children were taken before and after the maternal nutrition education
Sponsors
University of Douala
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Evaluation of the anthropometric and biochemistry parameters of children before and after an intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Months to 59 Months
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* To have an age between 6 to 59 months * To have signature of informed consent by the parents
Exclusion criteria
* To be illnes * To have severe malnutrition
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc supplementation among children in the rural community | Zinc supplementation: 14 days | The supplemented children received the oral zinc sulphate per day for two week and serum zinc concentration were taken before and after the intervention. |
| Nutrition education of mothers and improvement of nutritionnal status of children | Impact of maternal education: 10 months | The appropriate information of child nutrition was delivered to each mother. Before and after that maternal nutrition education, the anthropometric and biochemistry parameters of children were mesured. |
Outcome results
None listed