The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of weekly iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and one-time deworming treatment at the community level in improving hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls in Liberia, West Africa, and to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a targeted nutrition education program in improving nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the same population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Weekly IFA supplementation for duration of the study.
Structured nutrition education package delivered at household level by trained Community Health Assistants (CHAs)
One-time deworming treatment with mebendazole.
Change in participants' hemoglobin level from enrollment to completion of the study
Point of care hemoglobin testing will be conducted at enrollment and at the conclusion of the study.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Changes in responses to questions in the Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice (KAP) survey from baseline to follow up evaluation
Increase in nutrition-related knowledge, and improvements in nutrition practices as evidenced by changes in responses to the KAP survey, which is based on validated measures of nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and has been modified for appropriateness to the target population of this study.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Feasibility of targeted intervention for scale-up to country-wide enhanced nutrition services
Successful completion of study visits by Community Health Assistants, specifically ability to conduct every scheduled visit without skipping visits or households, within the timeframe of scheduled work day.
Time frame: 12 weeks
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Basic nutrition services currently provided at the health facility and at community level in Liberia