Current Issue
Volume:44 Issue:3Mar' 0123
| Sr No. |
Article Information |
| 1 |
Author(s):
Salisu M. Abubakar, Shehu Amina, Francis.T. Aminu, Victor Ajieroh, Wasiu Akinloye Afolabi, Folake Samuel.
Page No : 12-25
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Effect of Behaviour Change Communication and Reminder Strategies on Coverage and Adherence to Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation among Pregnant Women in Kano: A Hybrid Effectiveness Design Study
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Iron and folic acid supplements (IFAS) are currently provided for
free to pregnant women during Antenatal Care (ANC), but compliance/adherence remains low
over the years.
Objective: The study aimed to test the effectiveness of behaviour change communication and
reminder strategies to improve adherence to IFAS and determine factors associated with IFAS
utilization during pregnancy in Kano state.
Methods: Hybrid effectiveness implementation type 2 design was used simultaneously, involving
two independent surveys. The first was a cluster randomized control trial conducted among
pregnant women (n = 143). Intervention I group received IFAS education, distribution and
reminder to the pregnant women. Intervention II group received reminders via their
husbands. The information group received only IFAS education. The second survey involved
women with children less than 6 months old (n = 350).
Result: Only Intervention group II was found to be more effective (81.7% adherence) when
compared with the control group unlike Intervention I (72.7% adherence) and information group
(55.0% adherence). The prevalence of anaemia and normocytic normochromic anaemia
decreased in all groups but remained unchanged in the Information group. Macrocytic and
mixed anaemia decreased while microcytic hypochromic anaemia increased in all groups
but remained unchanged in the control group. Factors associated with adherence were;
practice of IFAS intake, number of ANC visits, access to ANC and perception of health
services. Adherence (66.0%) and coverage (96.6%) levels were recorded.
Conclusion: Prevention of anaemia through strengthening the system by health promotion and
education programs among health care providers, husbands, pregnant women, and reminding
mechanisms, appear effective in improving adherence to IFAS.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Olumuyiwa A. Owolabi, Halliru Zailani, Davis Omotola, Charles Chiaka Nkwoala, Wasiu Akinloye Afolabi, Bartholomew I. C. Brai.
Page No : 40-48
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Comparison of Food Security and Dietary Diversity among Home-Grown School Feeding Programme Enrolled and Non-enrolled School-Aged Children in Zaria LGA, Nigeria
Abstract
Background and Objectives: National home-grown school feeding programme
(HGSFP) aims to improve the food security and nutritional status of school-aged children
(SAC) in Nigeria. Sparse evidence exists on the impact of HGSFP on the food security and
dietary diversity of SAC in Zaria.
Objective: To assess the impact of National HGSFP on the food security and dietary diversity
of SAC attending public primary schools in Zaria LGA, Nigeria.
Methods: A school-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among SAC
attending public primary schools in Zaria, Nigeria. The participants' dietary and food security
data were collected using standard methods. Data obtained were summarized as mean
(±SD) (for continuous variables) and percentages (for discontinuous variables) using the IBM
SPSS Statistics version 21 and Microsoft Excel. T-test and chi-square were used to compare
two continuous and categorical variables, respectively (at p < 0.05).
Results: The study population consisted of enrolled (n = 263) and non-enrolled participants
(n = 217) aged 6-9 years. The non-enrolled children had a significantly higher Household
Food Insecurity and Access Scale score than the enrolled participants (5.0 ± 3.1 vs 3.7 ±
3.2). Furthermore, more enrolled participants had adequate food security compared with
their non-enrolled counterparts (16% vs 0%). In addition, a higher dietary diversity score (p =
0.00) was seen among the enrolled participants (5.8 ± 0.7) compared with the non-enrolled
participants (3.6 ± 0.9). Moreover, a higher proportion of enrolled participants had high
dietary diversity compared with the non-enrolled participants (51% vs 3%).
Conclusion: National HGSFP has improved the food insecurity and dietary diversity of
SAC in Zaria.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Oluwaseun Ariyo, Chima-Onumajuru Adaeze Pelwis, Kawu Awalu, Folake Samuel, Adedotun Joshua Owolabi, Charles Chiaka Nkwoala.
Page No : 82-98
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Barriers and facilitators of early initiation of breastfeeding Practice In Imo State: Findings from the perception of Mothers and Health Workers
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Despite the well-known benefits of breastfeeding, many barriers
hinder its early initiation, and several facilitators promote it. Understanding these barriers and
facilitators is crucial to promoting optimal practices.
Objectives: This research explored the determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF),
highlighting the factors that affect the decision-making process of mothers and healthcare
providers inImostate,Nigeria.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved purposive sampling of 66 mother-child pairs and 10
health workers across four primary healthcare centres in Imo state. Semi-structured individual
interviews and focus group discussions were used to explore the determinants of the practice of
early initiation of breastfeeding. Qualitative data (transcripts) were analysed using the
QDAMiner Lite software. Thematic analysis involving organizing, and summarizing
qualitative data was adopted and codes were used to classify text excerpts into their
appropriate categories.
Results: Summarily, mothers and health workers pointed out the following positive determinants:
baby crying; educating the mothers on EIBF; support from midwives; training of health workers;
health workers' knowledge of EIBF. They also pointed out the following barriers: delayed breast
milk flow; lack of knowledge on the subject matter; mother and mother-in-law influence;
mother's health status; mother's personal belief; no support from midwives; delivery via cesarean section; no record of EIBF; lack of training; and poor motivation.
Conclusions: The results show how vital the understanding of the concept and benefits of EIBF
facilitates its practice from the perspective of mothers and health workers. Continuous
investments to train health workers who in turn teach mothers should be prioritized.
Permanent link to this article: https://journal.nutritionnigeria.org/jr-current_issue/
