Nutritional counseling increases the nutritional level in children aged 6 to 24 months in Udupi District – A Cluster randomized controlled trial

Divakar S Nayak; Nagaraj Kondagunta; Deepthi Nayak; Veena G Kamath; Asha Kamath

Volume : IX, Issue : VII, July - 2019

Nutritional counseling increases the nutritional level in children aged 6 to 24 months in Udupi District – A Cluster randomized controlled trial

Divakar S Nayak, Nagaraj Kondagunta, Deepthi Nayak, Veena G Kamath, Asha Kamath

Abstract :

Objective: To promote the nutritional level of children aged 6 to 24 months through counseling on improved dietary quality and quantity. Methods: A community based cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in Udupi taluk. All the children aged 6 months were registered and followed until they completed 24 months of age. Results: Baseline characteristics of the subjects found to be similar in both the groups. The baseline knowledge assessed in both groups was very much similar. Mean measured weight increased significantly in the intervention group (0.794 kg, p < 0.002) at 24 months of age. Timely introduction of CF (68.6% vs 9.1% –< 0.001), mean age of introducing CF (5.2 ± 1.1vs 3.9±1.2 – < 0.001) months, introducing family diet at 12 to 15 months (68.6% vs 23.5% – < 0.001). Cereals, pulses, milk and milk products, oil and fat, vegetables and total food consumption was significantly higher in intervention group. The energy and protein intake from complementary foods was significantly higher in intervention group (p < 0.01) at different follow up time points (12 months, 18 months and 24 months). Conclusion: The study findings clearly shows promotion of child growth and complementary feeding practices in developing countries through nutritional counseling will improve the nutritional status of children less than 2 years of age