Community Based Intervention Improves Micronutient Intake among Pregnant Women and Children Under 1 (CU1) in Bethlehem Villages
Han'a Al-Rabadi *
World Vision International, Bethlehem/Palestine, Occupied Palestinian Territory.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and vitamin A, are major health problems in Palestine, especially among pregnant women and children. Anemia is reported by the Ministry of Health to affect more than half of children under five years and at least 30% of pregnant women.
The intervention study assessed the effectiveness of targeted and timely home visits by trained community health workers (CHWs) for increased knowledge and improved practices among mothers in iron, folic acid (FA), vitamin A supplementation and dietary modification.
Methods: World Vision implemented this intervention in eleven villages surrounding Bethlehem. Pregnant women and mothers (n=360) of infants during the year 2011 and 2012 were identified by 17 trained CHWs. The CHWs conducted organized home visits to mothers throughout 14 months. Baseline and endline data were collected through household interviews.
Results: During pregnancy, regular intake of iron supplements increased from 48.5% to 70.1% (p<0.001); consumption of proper meals (with iron sources) increased from 41.6% to 65.9% (p<0.001); FA intake increased from 49.0% to 70.1% (p<0.001). For CU1, regular vitamin A supplementation increased from 44.6% to 75.6% (p<0.001), regular iron supplementation increased from 38.8% to 76.7% (p<0.001), adequate complementary meals rich in iron and vitamin A increased from 28.5% to 78.9% (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Home-based interventions by trained CHWs have improved micronutrient intake through increasing maternal and child supplementation and food modification in Bethlehem villages. Scale-up plans to other communities is recommended.