Impact study of nutritional education as a controlling measure of iron deficiency anemia

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most common nutritional disorders world-wide, especially in India and other developing countries. Young children and women in the reproductive age group are the most vulnerable to iron deficiency anaemia. Part of the reason for this lack of action is the fact that iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) has few overt symptoms. Hence this study have been undertaken to see the impact of nutritional counselling as a controlling measure of IDA.Methods: Rural women of reproductive age group were first screened for anemia and then for IDA. Two groups were formed one experimental group who were given nutritional counselling and another group designated as control group devoid of any such counselling. Baseline haematological indicators were estimated along with dietary surveys in both the groups. Haematological estimation and dietary survey was carried out again after six months and those women in experimental group still found to be anemic were again counselled, the procedure was repeated again at twelve months and at the end of the study that is eighteen months. Data’s were then statistically analysed for finding significant between the groups.Results: Our study showed statistically significant differences in haematological indicators between the experimental and control group at the end of the study. Intake of nutrition also showed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control group at the end of the study.Conclusions: Intervention only with iron and folic supplements is not adequate to tackle iron deficiency anemia problem. Therefore, there is a need to use interventions measures like nutritional education approaches for addressing major preventable causes of anemia.