Iron Supplementation with or without Optimized Complementary Feeding Recommendations: Effect on Micronutrient Status and Growth of 1-2 Year Old Myanmar Children
Lwin Mar Hlaing *
Department of Health, National Nutrition Center, Ministry of Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar and Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, Regional Center for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Umi Fahmida
Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, Regional Center for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON), University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Min Kyaw Htet
Center of Community Health and Population Studies, The Research Institute, Trisakti University., Jakarta, Indonesia.
Agus Firmansyah
Gasterohepatology Division, Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Budi Utomo
Department of Population and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Rosalind S. Gibson
Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago., Dunedin, New Zealand.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: Low literate mothers were targeted for a nutrition education program regarding knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding ID in an anaemia endemic population in Northern Ghana. The study demonstrates the application of adult learning principles in effective interactions in a KAP education programme
Methods: The 5-day nutrition education training regarding KAP on ID and pica incorporated the four principles of adult learning during its implementation among 80 mothers.
Results: To create a safe haven for learning by valuing their experiences; Mothers shared their own experiences and observations of ID during sessions. A mother who lost a child to ID shared her experience. The second principle required a comfortable environment be created; the use of pictures and animations made mothers more comfortable since they could not read and created a less formal setting. To encourage participation by seeking contributions from participants; most mothers believed hard work caused ID, to address this myth; a closed bottle containing water was used to represent the body with blood. If one works hard, thus shaking the bottle does not compromise the quality or reduce the quantity of water. However, leakage indicating a cut or menstruation will, leading to ID. The last is to facilitate more than lecture; a food demonstration made mothers practice with guidance.
Conclusions: Mothers understood the concept of ID and exhibited this during the scenarios and preambles; they could identify who is vulnerable to ID. Adult learning principles when used in innovative ways could improve learning and success of micronutrient education interventions.