The effectiveness of multi - micronutrient powder fortification combined with nurturing care communication on anthropometric status of children aged 6 - 11 months in some rural communities of Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam

Abstract

A community - based intervention study with a control group, evaluating the effectiveness of multi-micronutrient powder fortification combined with communication on the anthropometric status of children aged 6 - 11 months in Quang Xuong district, Thanh Hoa province, with anthropometric indicators classified according to criteria of WHO (2006). 360 children were recruited, divided into 2 groups according to anthropometric indicies, age and gender. The intervention group was supplemented with multi-micronutrient powder of MNPs Bibomix 1 package/day; 5 packets/ week with ingredients including 15 vitamins and minerals in combine with nutrition communication, while control group was added placebo and nutrition communication, duration was 12 months. Results showed the average weight, length, LAZ, WAZ, WLZ of children in the intervention group after 6, 12 months improved better than the control group. The effectiveness of supporting treatment after 6 months and 12 months for stunting and underweight was 16.6%; 32.2% (p < 0.05) and 23.6%; 14.3%, respectively. The study showed remarkable results after 12 months of intervention, it should be replicated in areas with high risk of childhood malnutrition.