The purpose of this study was to determine if a home-based intervention to foster child development improved behavior and development in infants with IDA.
Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with alterations in infant behavior and development that may not correct with iron therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a home-based intervention to foster child development improved behavior and development in infants with IDA. IDA and non-anemic infants were randomly assigned to a year of intervention or surveillance only. Infants were enrolled and began study participation at 6 or 12 months. All infants were treated with oral iron and visited weekly to record iron intake, feeding, and health (surveillance). For infants randomized to intervention, the weekly home visit included an hour-long program fostering child development by supporting the mother-infant relationship. Psychologists, unaware of iron status or intervention assignment, assessed cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development (Bayley Scales) at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the year.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
277
Weekly visit of one hour to the home over the course of one year to foster the mother-child relationship.
Weekly visits to the home over the course of one year to record iron intake, feeding, and health information.
Six-month-old infants treated orally for 1 y with 15 mg elemental Fe/d as ferrous sulfate. Twelve-month old infants treated orally for a minimum of 6 months with 30 mg elemental Fe/d.
Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA)
Santiago, Chile
Infant behavior and development
Time frame: 6, 12, and 18 months; or 12, 18, and 24 months
Iron-deficiency anemia
Time frame: 6, 12, and 18 months; or 12, 18 and 24 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.