A study on the role of parental involvement in control of nutritional anemia among children of free primary schools in a rural area of West Bengal

Indian J Public Health. 2011 Oct-Dec;55(4):332-5. doi: 10.4103/0019-557X.92420.

Abstract

An intervention study was conducted among students of three randomly selected free primary schools in rural West Bengal to assess the effect of health-nutrition education for behavior modification of parents on nutritional anemia of children. Clinically anemic students were school-wise randomized into 'groups of two' and intervened with anthelminthic, iron-folic acid (IFA) pediatric tablet and health-nutrition education by reoriented teachers. Parents of study group were involved in behavior change processes. Baseline overall prevalence of anemia was 64.4%. After IFA therapy, prevalence of anemia was not found to differ between two groups (χ² = 2.68, P > 0.05, RR= 0.48, 95% C.I 0.2 < RR < 1.19) while reducing 52.2% of relative risk. Reassessment after six months showed significantly lower prevalence in study group (χ² = 18.14, P < 0.05, RR = 0.20, 95% C.I. 0.08 < RR < 0.49). Parental involvement for life style and dietary modification may curb childhood anemia.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / drug therapy
  • Anemia / epidemiology
  • Anemia / etiology*
  • Child
  • Child Development / physiology
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Iron / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Nutrition Disorders / complications*
  • Parenting*
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Rural Population*
  • Schools*

Substances

  • Folic Acid
  • Iron