This purpose of this study is to assess effects of iron and folic acid supplementation and multiple micronutrient supplementation on anemia status and the impact of a nutrition curriculum on diet diversity and anemia knowledge among adolescent girls.
This study aimed to implement and evaluate micronutrient supplementation interventions to improve adolescent nutrition, health, and education in Mozambique. In conjunction with the Mozambique Ministries of Health, Education and Culture, we conducted a two-arm cluster-randomized trial in three secondary schools, enrolling 28 girls' clubs (14 per arm). Each club was comprised of around 18 girls aged 13 to 20 years. Using constrained sampling to balance for age and school, clubs were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: 1) Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for five months plus a Nutrition Curriculum, or 2) Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) plus a Nutrition Curriculum. Girls enrolled in the MMS arm consumed supplements daily for 4 months at home and weekly nutrition messages delivered through the clubs. Girls enrolled in the IFAS arm consumed supplements once a week for 4 months at school (the standard of care) and weekly nutrition messages delivered through the clubs. The study evaluated the effects of MMS and IFAS on anemia status and the impact of the nutrition curriculum on diet diversity and anemia knowledge.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
490
The multiple micronutrient supplementation composition follows the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation. Each MMS tablet contains 15 micronutrients, including iron (30mg), folic acid (400 mcg), Vit A, Retinol (800 RE), vit D (200 IU), vit E (10 mg), vit C (70 mg), vit B1 (1.4 mg), vit B2 (1.4 mg), vit B6 (1.9 mg), vit B12 (2.6 mcg), niacin (18 mg), zinc (15 mg), copper (2 mg), iodine (150 mcg), selenium (65 mcg) and is consumed daily.
One IFAS tablet contains Iron (60 mg) and Folic Acid (2800 μg) and is taken weekly.
World Vision Monapo Field Office
Monapo, Nampula, Mozambique
Anemia Status
Anemia is defined as hemoglobin level \<10 g/dL
Time frame: 6 months
Anemia Knowledge
Changes in knowledge from baseline to endline around anemia causes and strategies to prevent anemia.
Time frame: 6 months
Minimum Dietary Diversity Score
The minimum dietary diversity score measures girls and women who 10 possible food groups over a 24-hour recall period are classified as having minimally adequate diet diversity.
Time frame: 6 months
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The Adolescent Nutrition Curriculum includes five modules focused on promoting healthy behaviors to enhance nutrition, with an emphasis on consuming iron-rich foods.