Affiliation:
1. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah
2. University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Abstract
Background [GQ4]Adolescents tend to explore their dietary environment without prior consideration of their nutritional needs. This attitude is due to low nutrition knowledge and it contributes to micronutrient deficiency such as anaemia. The study aims to investigate the effect of nutrition education and counselling on dietary iron intake and iron status of early adolescents. Methods/Design One hundred and twenty-six early adolescents will be recruited and randomized to receive nutrition education (intervention group) and no nutrition education (control group) in the Asante-Akim South Municipality of Ghana. Data on socio-demographics, dietary factors, dietary intake, knowledge of iron and anaemia will be collected at baseline and post-intervention. Blood samples will be collected for haemoglobin, ferritin and c-reactive protein analyses. The primary outcome measures include haemoglobin and ferritin levels, secondary outcomes such as dietary iron intake, dietary vitamin C intake and knowledge level of iron will be assessed at pre-and post-intervention (6 months). The study will comply with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) for randomized trials. Discussion The effectiveness of iron dietary guidelines developed will serve as a manual to aid, prevent and manage iron deficiency anaemia as well as reduce the prevalence of anaemia in the long term in Ghana.
Subject
Nutrition and Dietetics,General Medicine,Medicine (miscellaneous)
Reference37 articles.
1. University of Ghana, GroundWork, University of Wisconsin-Madison, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, UNICEF. Ghana Micronutrient Survey 2017. Accra, Ghana, 2017. Available: https://groundworkhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/UoG-GroundWork_2017-GHANA-MICRONUTRIENT-SURVEY_Final_180607.pdf (Accessed: 10/11/2019).
2. Simulated effects of home fortification of complementary foods with micronutrient powders on risk of inadequate and excessive intakes in West Gojjam, Ethiopia
3. Abrams SA (2005) Iron requirements and iron deficiency in adolescents. UpToDate [serial online].
4. School-Based Nutrition Education Intervention Improves Nutrition Knowledge and Lipid Profile among Overweight/Obese Children
5. Anaemia and cognitive performances in the elderly: a systematic review