Effectiveness of Food-Based Recommendations for Minangkabau Women of Reproductive Age With Dyslipidemia

This study aimed to assess effectiveness of promoting the optimized Food-based recommendations (FBRs) for improving dietary practices, nutrient intakes, nutritional status and lipid profile among Minangkabau women of reproductive age with dyslipidemia in a community setting. A cluster randomized community-based trial was conducted in Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Subjects are Minagabau women of reproductive age (20-44 y) with dyslipidemia. The subjects were assigned either into FBR group (n=48) that involved in 12-weeks prolonged contact of FBRs promotion or into non-FBR group, that received once nutrition counselling from usual standard of nutrition program. Baseline and end-line lipid profiles, nutritional status, dietary practice and nutrient intake data were assessed through biochemical assessment, anthropometri, and interview structured questionaire.

This study was conducted in two sequential phases. The first stage was a formative phase in the form of observational survey to develop and validate food-based recommendations (FBRs). The second phase was an intervention study to assess the effectiveness of the FBRs in improving dietary practice, the intake of problem nutrient, nutritional status and lipid profile of the subject.

Sample size for intervention per group (n=60/group; 2 groups) was expected to detect mean(±SD) differences in LDL-cholesterol concentration (as an secondary outcome) of 14±20 mg/dL as observed in a previous study in other area, with assumption of 80% power and 25% loss of follow up. Potential subjects were identified prior to dyslipidemia screening before intervention. Field nutritionist and volunteer cadres were requested to identify and list women of reproductive age fulfilling the inclusion criteria living in selected sites. An invitation letter was sent to all identified eligible subjects to visit appointed field laboratory to perform blood measurement. Inform consent was signed by all potential participants before blood measurement.

This study did not compare an intervention group (FBR group) with a true control group, but with a comparison group that received once nutrition counselling from usual nutrition health program (non-FBR group). Drawing on concepts of Plan Behavior Theory, persuasive FBR promotion was designed to influence subjects' attitude, subjective norms, perceive behavior control related to dyslipidemia and dietary management, and intention to change. Participants were prompted to set goals for themselves to improve their dietary practices in order to fulfill their nutrient requirements, improve nutritional status and lipid profile.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* women of reproductive age (20-44 years);
* native Minangkabau ethnic (both father and mother from the Minangkabau tribe);
* had abnormal one of isolated blood lipid profiles (cholesterol \> 200 mg / dl, LDL-cholesterol \>100 mg / dl, HDL \< 60 mg/dl, TG \> 150 mg/dl);
* signing a written inform consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* in pregnancy;
* having a history or active smoker and alcoholic addict;
* has a history of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, chronic digestive tract disorders, hemophilia and other chronic diseases;
* routinely taking cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure medications;
* vegetarians;
* use estrogen therapy;
* are participating in other studies.