Zinc Supplementation and Nutrition Education Among Children in the Rural Community

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Pilot Zinc Supplementation and Nutrition Education Among Children in the Rural Community, Cameroon

Conditions
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Effects of; Serum

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Zinc Supplementation
* Behavioral: Nutrition education of mothers


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: To have an age between 6 to 59 months To have signature of informed consent by the parents Exclusion Criteria: To be illnes To have severe malnutrition

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 6 Months
Maximum Age: 59 Months

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Evaluation of the anthropometric and biochemistry parameters of children before and after an intervention.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Zinc supplementation<br>The 25 supplemented children had received an oral dose of 10 mg of zinc sulphate per day for 14 days | Drug: Zinc Supplementation<br>* The 25 supplemented children had received an oral zinc supplement per day for 14 days and had no dietary restrictions.<br>* Other names: Supplementation;|
| Experimental: Nutrition education of mothers<br>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 | Behavioral: Nutrition education of mothers<br>* 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<br>* Other names: Maternal education;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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. | 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. | Impact of maternal education: 10 months |