Subject(s)
Birth Intervals , Birth Rate/trends , Chi-Square Distribution , Child Development/physiology , Cohort Studies , Developing Countries , Family Planning Services , Family Relations , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , India , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Logistic Models , Male , Probability , Risk Factors , Rural Population , Self-Help Groups , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status and dietary practices among underprivileged pregnant women, identify the lacune, outline implement and assess the effect of nutritional counseling on their dietary intake, anthropometric status and anemia status. METHODS: Hundred pregnant women belonging to low socio-economic status were interviewed. Based on lacune, nutrition education (NE) was given in the form of simple messages to 50 subjects (NE-group) over 10-16 weeks period, while the remaining 50 formed the comparison group (Non-NE group). Tools used were individual counseling, weekly home visits and group meetings. Anthropometric measurements taken were height and weight. Dietary data was collected using 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire. Hemoglobin estimation was done. Effect of intervention was assessed by monitoring changes in dietary practices, weight gain, and nutritional status of the subjects. RESULTS: Baseline findings--low mean maternal body weight (51.05 +/- 7.26 kg), 96.3% anemia prevalence and severely sub-optimal dietary intakes. Post-NE results revealed a significant increase in quality and quantity of the diets consumed. Mean hemoglobin levels significantly increased (Post-NE vs Non-NE = 9.65 +/- 0.97 vs 7.85 +/- 1.58, p < 0.001) and anemia prevalence reduced (Post-NE vs Non-NE = 78.7% vs 96%) in post-NE group. CONCLUSION: Individual counseling with weekly reinforcement can bring about improvement in nutritional status during pregnancy.
Subject(s)
Adult , Anemia , Anthropometry , Counseling , Eating , Female , Humans , Malnutrition/prevention & control , Nutritional Status , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic/prevention & control , Prenatal Care/methods , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess current infant feeding practices (IFP) in a relocated slum, to identity the lacunae, to outline, implement, and evaluate the gain in awareness and IFP followed by mothers. METHODS: Thirty-five mothers of infants aged 5-19 months were interviewed. Based on lacunae, Nutrition Education (NE) was imparted to mothers over two months. Tools used were individual counseling, participatory learning methods, positive deviance and early adopters approach aided with existing information education communication materials. Monthly weight and length of infants was also taken. Awareness and practices on infant feeding (IF) were reviewed at mid and post NE. RESULTS: Areas of concern at baseline were (i) discarding colostrum (77.0%), (ii) feeding prelacteals (80.0%), (iii) initiation of breast-feeding (BF) after 3 days (54.3%), (iv) absence of exclusive breast-feeding (86.3%), (v) delayed complementary feeding (CF) and (vi) feeding CF grossly inadequate in quality, quantity, frequency and consistency. Post NE results revealed an improved awareness about IF amongst the mothers. An improvement was seen in variety, quantity and consistency of CF fed. Active feeding behaviours were adopted (6.6% pre-NE vs 66.6% post-NE). Early adopters (24%) served as motivators. Weight for age and weight for length showed improvement. CONCLUSION: NE programs of shorter duration using a 'communication mix' of channels with repeated reinforcement can bring about improvement not only in awareness but also in IFP.