Nutrition Counseling Intervention Research Articles

Effect of community based nutritional counseling intervention on the nutritional status & eating behavior of children of rural areas near Lucknow, India

Effect of community based nutritional counseling intervention on the nutritional status & eating behavior of children of rural areas near Lucknow, India

A theoretical explanation for how a nutrition counseling and medically tailored meal delivery program benefitted participants living with lung cancer

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess participants’ perceptions and experiences while participating in a Food is Medicine medically tailored meal plus intensive nutrition counseling intervention to create a theoretical explanation about how the intervention worked.MethodsThis interpretive qualitative study included the use of semi-structured interviews with active participants in a randomized controlled trial aimed at understanding how a medically tailored meal plus nutrition counseling intervention worked for vulnerable individuals with lung cancer treated at four cancer centers across the USA. During the 8-month long study, participants in the intervention arm were asked to be interviewed, which were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional content analysis with principles of grounded theory.ResultsTwenty individuals participated. Data analysis resulted in a theoretical explanation of the intervention’s mechanism of action. The explanatory process includes three linked and propositional categories leading to patient resilience: engaging in treatment, adjusting to diagnosis, and active coping. The medically tailored meals plus nutrition counseling engaged participants throughout treatment, which helped participants adjust to their diagnosis, leading to active coping through intentional self-care, behavior change, and improved quality of life.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence that a Food is Medicine intervention may buffer some of the adversity related to the diagnosis of lung cancer and create a pathway for participants to experience post-traumatic growth, develop resilience, and change behaviors to actively cope with lung cancer. Medically tailored meals plus intensive nutrition counseling informed by motivational interviewing supported individuals’ adjustment to their diagnosis and resulted in perceived positive behavior change.

Effectiveness of remote dietary counseling intervention on cancer patients with enteral tube feeding undergoing chemotherapy

ABSTRACT Background: Hue Central Hospital is a special-grade central - level hospital that has been and is promoting comprehensive patient care. The teamwork between treating physicians, nursing care, clinical pharmacists and nutritionists has initially shown positive patient treatment outcomes. Recognizing that cancer patients frequently enter and exit the hospital between chemotherapy cycles, remote nutritional counseling intervention is an effective measure to help patients adhere to a reasonable diet at home and prepare their physical condition for the next chemotherapy cycle. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness of remote nutritional counseling intervention on cancer patients with enteral feeding undergoing chemotherapy at the Oncology Center, Hue Central Hospital. Methods: A non - controlled interventional dietary study was conducted on 22 patients diagnosed with cancer and admitted for multiple chemotherapy cycles with enteral feeding indication at Hue Central Hospital Cancer Center from January to April 2024. Results: The nutritional status characteristics of the study subjects according to the clinical index Albumin < 25g/L accounted for 4.5%; BMI < 18.5 accounted for 27.3% and 90.9% of patients were assessed as malnourished according to PG-SGA. After nutritional intervention, most patients had positive changes in anthropometric and clinical parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Remote home - based dietary intervention has demonstrated positive effects for patients.

Changes in HIV Internalized and Experienced Stigmas and Social Support After an Urban Gardens and Peer Nutritional Counseling Intervention Among People With HIV and Food Insecurity in the Dominican Republic.

Food insecurity and HIV-related stigma negatively affect HIV outcomes. Few studies have examined how food security interventions affect HIV-related stigma and social support. Two HIV clinics in the Dominican Republic. A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of an urban gardens and peer nutritional counseling intervention was conducted to examine outcomes of HIV-related stigmas and social support. Adult patients (≥18 years of age) with moderate or severe household food insecurity and evidence of suboptimal ART adherence and/or a detectable viral load were enrolled; standard measures of internalized and experienced stigmas and social support were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Intervention clinic participants received training and materials from agronomists for a home garden, 3-4 sessions of nutritional counseling from the clinic's peer counselor, and a garden produce cooking workshop facilitated by professional nutritionists. Of 109 study participants (46 intervention and 63 control), 103 (94%) completed 12-month follow-up. Difference-in-differences multivariate longitudinal linear regressions adjusting for sociodemographic factors found that intervention participants had reduced internalized stigma by 3.04 points (scale 0-32) at 12 months (P = 0.002); reduced probability of experiencing HIV-related stigma or discrimination in the past 6 months (20 percentage points at 6 months, P = 0.05 and 25 percentage points at 12 months, P = 0.02); and modestly improved social support at 12 months (1.85 points on 30-pt scale, P = 0.093). A fully powered, larger trial is needed to establish the efficacy of the intervention and assess pathways by which the intervention may improve HIV stigma and social support.

E-PROOF: E-intervention for protein intake and resistance training to optimize function: A study protocol.

Accounting for more than 60% of cancer survivors, older (≥65 years) cancer survivors have a 2- to 5-fold risk of physical function impairment, compared to cancer-free peers. One strategy to improve physical function is dietary and resistance training interventions, which improve muscle strength and mass by stimulating muscle protein synthesis. The E-PROOF (E-intervention for Protein Intake and Resistance Training to Optimize Function) study will examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week randomized controlled trial of an online, tailored nutritional and resistance training education and counseling intervention to improve physical function and associated health outcomes (muscle strength, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), self-efficacy, and weight management). In this study, 70 older cancer survivors will be randomized to one of two groups: experimental (receiving remote behavioral counseling and evidence-based education and resources), and control (general survivorship education). We will examine the intervention effects on physical function, muscle strength, HRQoL, self-efficacy, weight, and waist circumference during a 12-week period between the experimental and control groups. Three months following the end of the intervention, we will conduct a follow-up assessment to measure physical function, muscle strength, and HRQoL. This study is the first synchronous, online protein-focused diet and resistance training intervention among older cancer survivors. This novel study advances science by promoting independent health behaviors among older cancer survivors to improve health outcomes, and provide foundational knowledge to further address this growing problem on a wider scale through online platforms.

Dietary Behavior and Determinants of Diet Quality among Primary Health Care Patients in Poland.

The aim of the present research was to determine the factors influencing the prevalence of eating behaviors, diet quality, and unhealthy eating among primary healthcare patients in Poland. The cross-sectional study included 896 adult primary care patients in Łódź. The study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021 among thirty-four primary healthcare facilities. A survey recorded the sociodemographic data of the respondents as well as data regarding their health condition and diet. The majority of the respondents (57.6%) had average dietary habits, while 40% had unhealthy eating habits. The univariable logistic regression found that primary care patients with medium/secondary education had a 1.5 times greater risk of unhealthy eating habits, and those with post-secondary vocational education had a 1.75 times greater risk of unhealthy eating habits than those with higher education (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.08-1.97, p ≤ 0.01, and OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.04-2.94, p ≤ 0.05). The multivariable logistic regression confirmed that the level of education had a significant impact on dietary habits: for medium/secondary education, OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03-1.91 (p ≤ 0.01); for post-secondary vocational education, OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.0-2.85 (p ≤ 0.05). The education level was significantly correlated with the prevalence of unhealthy eating behaviors in the studied population. This factor should be considered in the promotion of healthy eating behaviors and nutritional counseling interventions conducted by family physicians in primary health care.

Assessment of risk factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending the obstetrics and gynecology department in a tertiary care hospital, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a pervasive health issue, particularly in developing countries. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess various socio-demographic factors, nutritional intake, and other risk factors contributing to anemia among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 160 pregnant women. Data were collected on socio-demographic factors (family type, religion, caste, residence, education, socio-economic status, age, occupation), anemia prevalence, antenatal care, birth spacing, nutritional intake (caloric, protein, and iron), and gravida status. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis to determine associations between anemia and various risk factors. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of moderate anemia (74.4%) among the participants. Most women were from nuclear families (75%), lived in rural areas (89.4%), and were predominantly homemakers (83.1%) in the age group of 21–30 years. Nutritional analysis showed 74.6% of women had a calorie intake below 2000 K. Cal/day, 64.7% had a protein intake below 50 g/day, and 87.5% had an iron intake below 20 mg/day. A significant association was found between anemia and factors such as caloric intake (χ²=10.6654, P=0.001092), gravidity (χ²=7.0278, P=0.008025), and iron intake (χ²=27.277, P<0.00001), but not with protein intake (χ²=3.7547, P=0.052658). Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in the Prakasam District, primarily associated with inadequate caloric and iron intake and increased gravidity. These findings emphasize the need for enhanced nutritional counseling and healthcare interventions focusing on diet and family planning for pregnant women in this region.

Nutrition Counseling, Lipid Profile Improvement and Weight Loss in Obese Patients with Dyslipidemia

Obesity with dyslipidemia is a serious problem because it risks various degenerative and metabolic diseases. The prevalence of obesity in Indonesia continues to increase every year, currently in the adult population reaching 21.8%. To prevent the onset of degenerative diseases and metabolic disorders, it is important to control obesity with dyslipidemia through weight loss and lipid profile improvement. This study aims to determine the effect of nutritional counseling in losing weight and improving lipid profiles in obese patients with dyslipidemia. This is a pseudo-experimental study with One group Pre and Post Test Design. The initial stage was the identification of obesity and lipid profile. In 100 respondents identified as obese, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides were examined. 40 obese respondents with dyslipidemia were determined as samples. The second stage was nutrition counseling intervention. The third stage of evaluation is the re-measurement of body weight and lipid profile. The research result is only 30 respondents participated in the evaluation. Average initial body weight was 75.11 kg and final body weight was 73.14 kg. Average weight loss was 1.97 kg. Average initial cholesterol 233.20 mg/dL and final cholesterol 224.70 mg/dL. Average cholesterol reduction of 8.5 mg/dL. Average initial LDL 152.37 mg/dL and final LDL 139.47 mg/dL. Average decrease in LDL 12.9 mg/dL Average initial triglycerides 161.23 mg/dL and final triglycerides 143.97 mg/dL. The average decrease in triglycerides is 17.26 mg/dL. The statistical test results showed a p-value = 0.000. There is an effect of nutritional counseling on weight loss and improvement of lipid profiles of obese patients with dyslipidemia.

Low Emulsifier Diet in Healthy Female Adults: A Feasibility Study of Nutrition Education and Counseling Intervention.

Emulsifiers are food additives commonly found in processed foods to improve texture stabilization and food preservation. Dietary emulsifier intake can potentially damage the gut mucosal lining resulting in chronic inflammation such as Crohn's disease. This study investigates the feasibility of a low-emulsifier diet among healthy female adults, as no previous reports have studied the feasibility of such a diet on healthy participants. A quasi-experimental study for a nutrition education and counseling intervention was conducted over 14 days among healthy Saudi participants aged 18 years and over. Assessment of dietary intake using 3-day food records was conducted at the baseline and 2-week follow-up. Participants attended an online educational session using the Zoom application illustrating instructions for a low-emulsifier diet. Daily exposure to emulsifiers was evaluated and nutrient intake was measured. A total of 30 participants completed the study. At baseline, 38 emulsifiers were identified, with a mean ± SD exposure of 12.23 ± 10.07 emulsifiers consumed per day. A significant reduction in the mean frequency of dietary emulsifier intake was observed at the end of the intervention (12.23 ± 10.07 vs. 6.30 ± 7.59, p < 0.01). However, intake of macronutrients and micronutrients was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Good adherence to the diet was achieved by 40% of the participants, and 16.66% attained a 50% reduction of emulsifier intake. The study demonstrates that a low-emulsifier diet provided via dietary advice is feasible to follow and tolerable by healthy participants. However, the diet still needs further investigation and assessment of it is nutritional intake and quality before implementing it in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are at high risk of poor nutritional intake.

Efforts Of Providing Balanced Nutrition Counseling for Pregnant Women and Giving Sukahitu Cookies in Increasing Knowledge, Attitude and Blood Haemoglobin Levels of Pregnant Women in Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency

Anemia in pregnant women occurs due to iron deficiency (Fe). About 95% of anemia cases during pregnancy are due to iron deficiency. This study aims to determine the effect of Balanced Nutrition Counseling for Pregnant Women and Giving Sukahitu Cookies for Increasing Mother's Knowledge, Attitudes and Hemoglobin Levels in Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency. This research was a quasi-experimental pre and post-test of two groups by respectively 30 pregnant women receiving the intervention and a control group.The pregnant women group was given a balanced nutrition counseling intervention for pregnant women with media booklets for three weeks and 100 g/pack/day of Sukahitu Cookies. Meanwhile, the control group received as much as 100 g/day cookies during the study. To analyze the effect of providing counseling with balanced nutrition booklet media for pregnant women and giving sukahitu cookies to increasing knowledge, attitudes and hemoglobin levels in anemia of pregnant women, an independent t-test p&lt;0.05 was used. Statistical results show there is a difference in the increase in knowledge scores of pregnant women between the intervention group and the control group p=0.000. This show Balanced Nutrition Counseling for Pregnant Women and Providing Sukahitu Cookies can increase knowledge, attitudes, and hemoglobin levels of pregnant women in Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency.

OR03-04-23 Improvement in Diet Quality Among Patients With Lung Cancer: Preliminary Results From a Medically Tailored Meals Plus Nutrition Counseling Intervention

OR03-04-23 Improvement in Diet Quality Among Patients With Lung Cancer: Preliminary Results From a Medically Tailored Meals Plus Nutrition Counseling Intervention

Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of using a computerized food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to determine dietary patterns in survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC).

e24103 Background: Malnutrition and poor dietary habits are associated with worse outcomes and decreased quality of life (QOL) in patients with HNC. Given the lack of standardized assessment of diet in survivors of HNC but the concern for long term malnutrition risk, we piloted a recently developed computerized FFQ that provides individualized dietary feedback (Vioscreen) in survivors of HNC. We sought to assess its feasibility and acceptability and explore associations between diet quality, QOL, and patient/treatment characteristics. Methods: We recruited HNC patients who had completed cancer treatment (radiation alone, chemoradiation, surgery/radiation, surgery/chemoradiation) at least 6 months prior to study enrollment who did not have a feeding tube. Dietary assessment was conducted using Vioscreen. Dietary quality was defined by Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and calculated by the participant’s response. All patients received an individualized feedback report. Patients also completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&amp;N35. At 6 weeks, we administered an acceptability questionnaire on usability of Vioscreen and perceived dietary changes. Results: 50 patients consented to participate. Of these, 34 (68%) completed all initial questionnaires. Of the 34 participants, majority were white/non-Hispanic, male, with oropharynx primaries, and median time from treatment was 68.4 months. Of the 27 who completed acceptability, 15 (56%) considered the Vioscreen tool to be useful, 9 (36%) reported they made changes to diet, and 16 (59%) would recommend to others. Mean HEI score was 63.2 (SD 11.3). There were no statistically significant differences in HEI scores between participants who were male vs female or based on time from treatment. There was a numeric difference in HEI scores for those with oral cavity/larynx cancers vs. oropharynx (58.3 vs 65.6; p = 0.06), and those with bimodality vs. trimodality treatment (66.1 vs 57.3; p = 0.07), but this did not reach statistical significance. There was a significant positive correlation with higher HEI scores and less trismus as reported on the EORTC H&amp;N35 questionnaire (r = .49, p &lt; .01). Additionally, the participants who found the Vioscreen useful were less likely to report swallowing difficulties on the EORTC H&amp;N35 (p = 0.046) and less likely to have had surgery as part of treatment (p = 0.046). Conclusions: For survivors of HNC, Vioscreen was useful to &gt; 50% of participants. Diet quality and swallowing issues were worse in patients receiving trimodality treatment; those reporting more swallowing complaints also reported the Vioscreen tool was less useful. Thus, using Vioscreen as a stand-alone intervention may be insufficient for these populations. Future studies will couple the Vioscreen FFQ with a nutrition counseling intervention.

The Effect of Nutrition Counseling and RESTTM Diet also Occupational Factors on Weight Loss among Hospitals Nurses with Excessive Weight Nutritional Status (Study in The Occupational Health Hospital of West Java Province)

Background: Nurse has a risk to get an excessive weight nutritional status that can increase the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The intervention of nutrition counseling and diet are expected to lose weight in people with excessive weight nutritional status. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of nutrition counseling and the implementation of Rendah Energi, Seimbang dan Teratur (REST) diet on weight loss among hospital nurses with excessive weight nutritional status in the hospital.Methods: The study was conducted at Occupational Health Hospital of West Java with 22 nurses as study subjects with excessive weight nutritional status, implemented nutrition counseling intervention, a RESTTM Diet and also used the Bouchard questionnaire, OSI-RTM questionnaire and food record sheets.Results: The greatest average weight loss after receiving nutrition counseling and implementing a RESTTM Diet occurred in the 12th week of the last observation. It was 2.6 kg with 95% CI=1.3-3.9 kg. Based on the bivariate test showed gender had a significant effect on the average weight loss. The male nurses had greater average weight loss than female nurses (p=0.038). The average weight loss of male nurses was 3.1 ± 1.7kg and female nurses 1.6 ± 1.3kg. Meanwhile, the effect of occupational factors on weight loss after receiving nutrition counseling and implementing the RESTTM Diet did not show a significant effect, such as job position (p=0.948), the number of working hours (p=0.220), work shift schedule (p=0.692) and work stress (p=0.813).Conclusions: There was an effect of nutrition counseling and RESTTM Diet during 12 weeks on weight loss among the hospital nurses with excessive weight nutritional status in the hospital.

Impact of nutrition counseling on anthropometry and dietary intake of multiple sclerosis patients at Kasr Alainy Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Cairo, Egypt 2019–2020: randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundFaulty dietary habits and overnutrition are prevalent among Egyptian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who do not receive nutrition care as part of treatment. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the effect of nutrition counseling on the nutritional status of patients with MS. This endeavor might provide evidence for the value of counseling in such a setting and advance the integration of nutrition counseling into the routine management of patients with MS.MethodsA single-blinded, parallel-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Kasr Alainy MS Unit on 120 eligible patients with MS from September 2019 to February 2020. Patients were randomly allocated to either the nutrition counseling intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). Allocation concealment was performed by using sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelopes. All patients were assessed initially and complied with the Kasr Alainy MS Unit standard management protocol for the study period. Only patients in the IG underwent initial nutrition counseling sessions followed by a monthly evaluation. All patients were assessed at the end of the 3-month follow-up period. Sociodemographic data were gathered through a structured interview. Nutritional status was assessed anthropometrically and via 24-h recall. The 2 groups were compared initially and at the end of the follow-up. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted.ResultsAt baseline assessment, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 31.7% and 32.5%, respectively, and the mean body mass index was 27.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Mean waist circumference was 93.5 ± 11.9 and 99.2 ± 13.1 cm for males and females, respectively. Approximately 27.3% of males and 83.9% of females showed abdominal obesity. After 3 months of counseling, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, nutrient intake and adequacy significantly improved in the IG (p < 0.05).ConclusionNutrition counseling significantly improved anthropometric measurements, dietary habits, nutrient intake and adequacy.Trial registrationThe study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov and was given a code (NCT04217564).

Understanding Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescent Population

Eating disorders (EDs) are increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are less common in children and adolescents than adults, but both disorders can occur in this age group. Binge-eating disorder (BED) is the most common ED in children and adolescents and is more prevalent in females than males. EDs may present differently in children and adolescents than in adults, and parents or caregivers may be the first to notice changes in eating patterns or body weight. Diagnostic criteria for EDs in children and adolescents include disturbances in eating behavior, weight or shape concerns, and significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.Multidisciplinary approaches are recommended for treating EDs in children and adolescents, including medical management, nutritional counseling, and psychological interventions. Evidence-based treatments for AN and BN include family-based therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are recommended for children and adolescents with BED. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Treatment approaches should be tailored to developmental and cultural needs and involve a multidisciplinary team. Continued research is needed to improve early detection, prevention strategies, and treatments for this vulnerable population. EDs in children and adolescents are a significant public health concern that can have serious physical and psychological consequences. It is important for healthcare providers and caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of EDs in young people and to seek prompt and appropriate treatment

Dietetic Student Involvement in a Sports Nutrition Education Program for University Athletes

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a sports nutrition counseling experiential learning opportunity on self-efficacy and nutrition counseling skills in the undergraduate dietetic students and dietary goal adherence in collegiate athlete clients after receiving the student-led nutrition counseling intervention. Methods: This mixed methods design, using a thematic analysis and pre- and post-testing, was implemented at a mid-sized university in the Midwestern United States. There were fifteen undergraduate dietetic students and nine collegiate athletes. Results: Counseling confidence in the dietetic students improved significantly from session one to session three (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions and Implications: Similar programs can be implemented in undergraduate dietetic programs within the academic setting to provide a valuable nutrition resource for collegiate athletes and experience for dietetic students. Examining the program with a larger population can allow for analysis of a causal relationship between the intervention and measured outcomes.

Design and validation of a handbook and photographic atlas on complementary food for use as a food education tool

The use of visual tools to calculate the adequate portion of the infant's food with an adequate education would allow to provide correct, simple and clear information to those responsible for their feeding. The objective was to design a manual and photographic atlas on complementary feeding (CF) for children between 6-12 months of age, to be used as a tool in food and nutrition education. Methods: The instrument was divided into two sections: a manual that includes advice on CF, and another corresponding to the food atlas, adapted to children aged 6 to 12 months. Content validity was performed by expert judgment, and the degree of agreement was measured using the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The designed tool includes 47 foods, 323 photographs and 6 chapters, where key concepts were developed, feeding in the sick child, measurements and capacities of the utensils used, images accompanied with recommendations for food and nutritional education about consistency, frequency, quantity, progression in the incorporation of food, safety, recipes and menu ideas according to age. The atlas was divided into food groups, subdivided into raw and cooked foods, and in different presentations: puree, pieces and whole. The content validation showed a high percentage of general acceptance (85.86%) and reported a 95% ICC of 0.884 (0.712-0.973). The designed tool is very useful for carrying out nutrition counseling and education interventions for children of the age of starting their CF.

ALIMUS—We are feeding! Study protocol of a multi-center, cluster-randomized controlled trial on the effects of a home garden and nutrition counseling intervention to reduce child undernutrition in rural Burkina Faso and Kenya

BackgroundClimate change heavily affects child nutritional status in sub-Saharan Africa. Agricultural and dietary diversification are promising tools to balance agricultural yield losses and nutrient deficits in crops. However, rigorous impact evaluation of such adaptation strategies is lacking. This project will determine the potential of an integrated home gardening and nutrition counseling program as one possible climate change adaptation strategy to improve child health in rural Burkina Faso and Kenya.MethodsBased on careful co-design with stakeholders and beneficiaries, we conduct a multi-center, cluster-randomized controlled trial with 2 × 600 households in North-Western Burkina Faso and in South-Eastern Kenya. We recruit households with children at the age of complementary feed introduction (6–24 months) and with access to water sources. The intervention comprises the bio-diversification of horticultural home gardens and nutritional health counseling, using the 7 Essential Nutrition Action messages by the World Health Organization. After 12-months of follow-up, we will determine the intervention effect on the primary health outcome height-for-age z-score, using multi-level mixed models in an intention-to-treat approach. Secondary outcomes comprise other anthropometric indices, iron and zinc status, dietary behavior, malaria indicators, and household socioeconomic status.DiscussionThis project will establish the potential of a home gardening and nutrition counseling program to counteract climate change-related quantitative and qualitative agricultural losses, thereby improving the nutritional status among young children in rural sub-Saharan Africa.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00019076. Registered on 27 July 2021.

Effects of nutrition education and counseling intervention on maternal weight and obstetric outcomes among pregnant women of Gedeo Zone, Southern, Ethiopia: A cluster randomized control trial.

Background: Due to the scarcity of intervention trials, especially in Ethiopia, the effect of nutrition education and counseling intervention on pregnancy outcomes is not well studied. Aim: To assess the effect of nutrition education and counseling on the outcomes of pregnancy among pregnant mothers in public health care institutions of Gedeo Zone, Southern, Ethiopia. Methods: A cluster randomized control trial study design was undertaken. Simple random sampling followed by cluster sampling was used to reach eligible study participants. A total sample of 235 (115 intervention vs.120 control group) pregnant women who followed anti-natal care service in public health facilities of Gedeo Zone was included in the study. Independent t-test was used to analyze the group difference for continuous variable and chi-square test for categorical variables. The post-intervention values between the two groups were compared using analysis of covariance by adjusting to baseline variable. Results: After nutrition education, pregnant women in the control group had less weight gain than in the intervention. The proportion of LBW neonate was 17.8% in the intervention group and 38.2% in the control group (P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of LBW in the control group was 2.43 more likely than in the intervention group (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: (1.2, 4.92)). Conclusion: Nutrition education delivered to pregnant women during pregnancy could reduce maternal malnutrition and low birth weight. Recommendation: The intervention is easy to implement in the health facilities of Gedeo zone and would be implemented without delay to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Effect of community-based nutritional counseling intervention on children's eating habits.

Aim:This study aimed to assess the outcome of community-based nutritional counseling interventions on eating habits of rural-dwelling children.Methods:A group-randomized trial design was used in this study. A total of 108 rural-dwelling children from a community in the Enugu North agricultural zone, Enugu State, who participated in the study. The children were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the treatment group (n = 54) and the no-treatment control group (n = 54). The child eating behavior questionnaire was used for data collection. Parents of the participating children within each study group completed the child eating behavior questionnaire at 3 time points. The data collected were analyzed using an independent sample t test at a probability level of .05.Result:The outcome of the study showed that the children's eating habits in the treatment group improved positively following the community-based nutritional counseling intervention. The positive gain from exposure to the community-based nutritional counseling intervention program was sustained during follow-up for children in the treatment group compared with the no-treatment group.Conclusion:The community-based nutrition counseling intervention carried out among children in rural communities had a positive adjustment in children's eating habits. The intervention requires the constant collaboration of professional childhood educators, caregivers, home economists, school staff, healthcare specialists, families, and the children themselves. Furthermore, there is a need for future long-term evaluations of the effects of community-based nutritional counseling interventions on children's nutrition and eating habits.