Improved nutrition knowledge and practice through intensive nutrition education: a study among caregivers of mildly wasted children on Nias Island, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Inappropriate nutrition knowledge and feeding practices of caregivers are among several important causes of persistent malnutrition problems in young children. Thus, it is essential to provide caregivers with the necessary knowledge to help them modify their feeding practices.

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of two different nutrition education methods, weekly intensive nutrition education (INE) and monthly nonintensive nutrition education (NNE), designed for caregivers of mildly wasted children (weight-for-height z-score ≥ -1.5 to < -1) aged ≥ 6 to < 60 months on Nias Island, Indonesia.

Methods: To assess the impact of the two different nutrition education approaches on nutrition knowledge and practice of caregivers with their children, respondents were assigned to receive either weekly INE (n=114) or monthly NNE (n=96). The knowledge and practice levels of the mothers in each group were assessed and compared using a pretested validated questionnaire at admission and after the intervention period.

Results: At admission, the knowledge and practice levels of caregivers in both groups were not statistically significantly different. After participating in the nutrition education program, the percentage of correct answers on nutrition knowledge and practice in the INE group was significantly higher than that in the NNE group. Significant improvement in knowledge and practice scores was observed in the INE group after the intervention (p < 0.001), whereas only a significant improvement in knowledge was found in the NNE group (p < .05).

Conclusions: In comparison with NNE, the INE approach was significantly better in bringing about a positive change in knowledge and practice of caregivers of mildly wasted children in the study area.