Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation
Room # 197-200, Institute of Public Health (IPH), Mohakhali, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh
Completed Researches
Life-cycle approach for improvement of nutrition in children, adolescents, mother & elderly through formation of Mother Support Group at community level. Year: 2021-2022
Background
Malnutrition affects the entire life cycle, leading to stunted growth in children, poor reproductive health in adolescents and mothers, and increased morbidity in the elderly, affects pregnancy weight gain and birth weight of newborns. In Bangladesh, 24% of children under five are stunted. Approximately 36 million adolescents, making up one-fifth of the population, face nutritional challenges. 9.2% of the population comprises older adults, with 26% malnourished and 62% at risk. Timely nutrition interventions can improve health and reduce malnutrition.
Objectives
This study engaged a community-based Mother Support Group to improve nutrition and health for above groups.
Methodology
This cluster randomized controlled trial involved 1,500 participants divided into five groups: elderly individuals (300), pregnant women (300), lactating mothers (300), caregivers of under-five children (300), and adolescents (300) from rural northern and southern Bangladesh. Participants were equally allocated into intervention (n=750) and controls (n=750) groups. The intervention, delivered by trained community peers Mother Support Groups (MSG), included nutrition education, dietary diversity, meal frequency, physical activity, mental stimulation, and interactive sessions over four months, followed by a two-month follow-up.
Result
The intervention groups showed significant improvements compared to the control groups. Average weight gain during pregnancy in intervention group was significantly higher (4.64±2.9 kg) compared to the control (3.32±2.26 kg), (p = 0.033) and LBW prevalence 3.73% vs 15.5% in intervention and control groups. Wasting, stunting, and underweight decreased by 10.20%, 15.10%, and 12.92%, respectively, in the intervention group. BMI improved more in adolescents (2.09% vs. 0.99%) and the elderly (0.71 vs. -0.18) in the intervention group.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that community-based nutrition interventions by the rural peer groups significantly improved dietary practices, reduced malnutrition, and improved health outcomes across all life stages.
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Study Area
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