Undernutrition and growth restriction due to poor diet and inadequate nutrient intake continues to be a global challenge, particularly in the developing countries including Uganda. The etiology of inadequate nutrient supply to infants may relate to lack of resources or knowledge or a combination of both. Poor nutrient intake and impaired growth may affect brain and cognitive development. This study aims to evaluate nutrient intake, growth and cognitive function among children between 6 and 36 months living in the fertile Kabale and Kisoro region in south-western Uganda. The investigators hypothesize that nutrition education to mothers can bring about improved dietary intake and nutritional status among children aged 6-36 months. A follow-up study was conducted during the period January - July 2022.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
511
Kyambogo University
Kampala, Uganda
Change in the prevalence of stunting (<-2 SD of the WHO, 2006 growth reference standards)
The investigators will measure the change in stunting between the three indicated time points.
Time frame: 6-8, 12-16, 20-24 (main outcome time point), 36 months, 7-10 years
Change in mean weight-for-age z-score
The investigators will measure the change in mean weight for age z-score between the three indicated time periods.
Time frame: 6-8, 12-16 and 20-24, 36 months, 7-10 years
Change in mean weight-for-height z-score
The investigators will measure the change in mean weight for height z-score between the three indicated time periods.
Time frame: 6-8, 12-16, 20-24, 36 months, 7-10 years
Change in mean Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) z-score
The investigators will measure the change in MUAC between the three indicated time periods.
Time frame: 6-8, 12-16, 20-24, 36 months, 7-10 years
Change in mean diet diversification score (DDS)
The investigators will measure the change in DDS between the three indicated time periods.
Time frame: 6-8, 12-16, 20-24, 36 months
Change in Ages and Stages Questionnaire Scores (AQS)
The investigators will measure the change in AQS between the three indicated time periods.
Time frame: 6-8, 12-16, 20-24, 36 months
Change in The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (2nd ed.; KABC-II) and the Test of Variable of Attention (TOVA)
The investigators will measure the change in the scores of these tests at indicated time periods.
Time frame: 7-10 years
Change in Bayley Child Development test 3 ed.
The investigators will measure the change in Bayley Child Development test 3 ed. between the three indicated time periods.
Time frame: 6-8, 12-16, 20-24, 36 months
Change in gut microbiota
Fecal samples will be collected and the investigators will measure the change in gut microbiota between the three indicated time periods.
Time frame: 20-24, 36 months, 7-10 years
Change in oral microbiota
Saliva samples will be collected and the investigators will measure the change in oral microbiota at indicated time periods.
Time frame: 36 months, 7-10 years
Change in Mullens test
The investigators will measure the change in Mullens test between the two groups after 36 months.
Time frame: 36 months
Change in Becks Depression Inventory II questionnaire to determine the maternal self-reported depression symptoms
The investigators will measure the change in this test between the two groups at indicated time periods
Time frame: 7-10 years
Change in the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale questionnaires to determine the maternal self-reported depression symptoms
The investigators will measure the change in this test between the two groups at indicated time periods
Time frame: 7-10 years
Oral health
The investigators will assay caries using photographs
Time frame: 7-10 years
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