Malnutrition among children, especially stunting is a public health problem in Cameroon. This study assesses the impact of zinc supplementation of children and nutrition education of mothers on the nutritional status of the children in the rural community. Dietary surveys, nutritional status, zinc supplementation of children and nutrition education of mothers were carried out. After nutrition education and zinc supplementation, the study showed positive impact of both intervention on the nutritional status of children.
A questionnaire was developed, tested and adjusted prior the field survey. During the study, the knowledge of mothers on child nutrition, the eating habits of children, the estimated consumption of energy, nutrients of children and food availability on the market during harvesting and sowing seasons were evaluated. Moreover, data on zinc supplementation and nutrition education sessions conducted with mothers of these children were collected. The impact of zinc supplementation and maternal education was evaluated by measuring height/age, weight/age and weight/height indices, and levels of serum albumin, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorus before and after interventions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
150
The 25 supplemented children had received an oral zinc supplement per day for 14 days and had no dietary restrictions.
Nutritional information was delivered to each mother to facilitate a change in bad eating habits observed, improve knowledge, attitudes and skills of mothers on child nutrition. The anthropometric and biochemistry parameters of children were taken before and after the maternal nutrition education
Zinc supplementation among children in the rural community
The supplemented children received the oral zinc sulphate per day for two week and serum zinc concentration were taken before and after the intervention.
Time frame: Zinc supplementation: 14 days
Nutrition education of mothers and improvement of nutritionnal status of children
The appropriate information of child nutrition was delivered to each mother. Before and after that maternal nutrition education, the anthropometric and biochemistry parameters of children were mesured.
Time frame: Impact of maternal education: 10 months
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