The effect of supplementary feeding program for chronic energy deficiency pregnant women on Hb concentration MUAC, and gestational weight gain in Indonesia

Abstract

Maternal and child health problems in Indonesia are alarming, such as mortality, chronic energy deficiency (CED) among pregnant women, low birth weight and stunting among infants. These problems can be addressed by taking early precautions during pregnancy. Supplementary feeding (PMT) program is available for CED pregnant women. This study aims to examine the effect of PMT program on pregnancy output. A total 211 of pregnant women in Parepare municipality were selected as study participants. The design of this study was cohort. This study compared between CED pregnant women who get PMT program and non-CED pregnant women who did not get PMT program. Both of these groups also obtained iron folic acid (IFA) tablets. The measurements of Hb were conducted in each trimester, while weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) twice. Determination of Hb used HemoCue (Hb201+ system). Weight measurement using weight scale owned by Community Health Centre. This study was conducted from March 2017 to May 2018. Results of anthropometric measurements, in both CED and non-CED groups, there was a significant changes from baseline to endline measurement (p<0.001). Gestational weight gain in CED group (5.07±1.56) was higher than that of non-CED (3.89±1.75, p <0.001). Similarly in MUAC, CED group was higher (1.88±0.93) than non-CED (1.41±1.28, p=0.01). For haemoglobin, there is no difference in Hb between these groups in either on the 2nd measurement (−0.35±1.63 vs-0.29±1.68, p=0.887) or the 3rd measurement (−0.09±1.45 vs-0.06±1.98, p=0.218). This study shows PMT program impacts on weight and MUAC but not in Hb.