Iron Supplementation with or without Optimized Complementary Feeding Recommendations: Effect on Micronutrient Status and Growth of 1-2 Year Old Myanmar Children

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.