Impact assessment of dietary and nutrition education intervention on hemoglobin level moderately anemic adolescent girls

Abstract

High prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls is a matter of great concern because of double demand of growth and activity. Therefore, the present study was conducted among moderately anemic (Hb=8–10.9 mg/dl) adolescent girls (10–18 yrs) with an objective to improve hemoglobin level of selected moderately anemic subjects through diet and nutrition education intervention. Intervention imparted to total 90 moderately anemic adolescent girls for the periods of 4 months which divided into three groups. Each group constituted 30 girls. Group-I was imparted diet as well as nutrition counseling and group-II received only nutrition counseling. Group-III formed the control group i.e. no intervention of any type was provided to them. The effectiveness of diet and nutrition intervention was evaluated for hemoglobin (Hb) level at pre and post stage of intervention. Consequently, the average Hb level of the experimental group-I and II subjects increased significantly (p<0.05) from 9.31±0.12 and 9.51±0.11 g/dl to 11.44±0.12 and 10.97±0.16 g/dl respectively, whereas non-significantly results were found in control group. Dietary intervention with nutrition education is an effective tool in increasing the level of hemoglobin and to combat iron deficiency anemia among moderately anemic girls.