Zinc Supplementation and Nutrition Education Among Children in the Rural Community

Pilot Zinc Supplementation and Nutrition Education Among Children in the Rural Community, Cameroon

Malnutrition among children, especially stunting is a public health problem in Cameroon. This study assesses the impact of zinc supplementation of children and nutrition education of mothers on the nutritional status of the children in the rural community. Dietary surveys, nutritional status, zinc supplementation of children and nutrition education of mothers were carried out. After nutrition education and zinc supplementation, the study showed positive impact of both intervention on the nutritional status of children.

A questionnaire was developed, tested and adjusted prior the field survey. During the study, the knowledge of mothers on child nutrition, the eating habits of children, the estimated consumption of energy, nutrients of children and food availability on the market during harvesting and sowing seasons were evaluated. Moreover, data on zinc supplementation and nutrition education sessions conducted with mothers of these children were collected. The impact of zinc supplementation and maternal education was evaluated by measuring height/age, weight/age and weight/height indices, and levels of serum albumin, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorus before and after interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• To have an age between 6 to 59 months
• To have signature of informed consent by the parents

Exclusion Criteria:

• To be illnes
• To have severe malnutrition