Effect of a dietary behaviour change education intervention on iron status and linear growth in children aged 6 to 59 months: a cluster-randomised controlled trial in rural Ethiopia.
Ferede Abebe, Muluemebet Abera, Tefera Belachew
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In 30 seconds
This cluster-randomised controlled trial evaluated community-based Dietary Intake Behaviour Education (DIBE) among children aged 6–59 months in rural central Ethiopia. Across 16 community units, 1,012 mother-child pairs were enrolled. At endline, iron deficiency anaemia prevalence fell from 22.13% at baseline to 6.5% in the intervention group, while it rose from 14.2% to 20.4% in controls. Stunting also declined in the intervention group and increased in controls. DIBE was positively associated with height-for-age Z-score (B = 0.744, p = 0.003).
Key findings
- Endline IDA prevalence was 6.5% in the intervention group versus 20.4% in controls.
- Endline stunting prevalence was 15.0% in the intervention group versus 51.8% in controls.
- DIBE was positively associated with height-for-age Z-score (B = 0.744, p = 0.003).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that practical, community-based nutrition education may address both iron deficiency anaemia and impaired linear growth in young children in a resource-limited setting. The trial also highlights the potential relevance of maternal food-preparation practices and nutrition awareness to child growth, supporting attention to caregiver education alongside child health services.
What to keep in mind
The study was conducted in rural central Ethiopia across 16 community units, which may limit generalisability to other settings.