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Field
Trial Status
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Before
on_going
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After
completed
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Field
Abstract
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Before
Anaemia prevalence among children is high in rural Bihar, India. As anaemia has adverse effects on attentiveness and the ability to concentrate as well as cognitive development of children, finding channels to combat anaemia is a key concern of the central and state governments of India. Iron-deficiency is a major factor contributing to anaemia in general and it is presumed to be the case in Bihar as well.
We implement an iron-supplementation intervention targeted at children aged 3 to 6 years who attend pre-primary childcare centres, called Anganwadi Centres, in Madhepura district in Bihar, India. Anganwadi Centres are part of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme, a government programme aiming to improve child health and development. The study evaluates the introduction of a sustainable method of low-dosed iron supplementation, a reusable iron ingot, in the institution of Anganwadi Centres and its potential to reduce iron-deficiency anaemia among children.
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After
Anaemia prevalence among children is high in rural Bihar, India. As anaemia has adverse effects on attentiveness and the ability to concentrate as well as cognitive development of children, finding channels to combat anaemia is a key concern of the central and state governments of India. Iron-deficiency is a major factor contributing to anaemia in general and it is presumed to be the case in Bihar as well.
We implement an iron-supplementation intervention targeted at children aged 3 to 6 years who attend pre-primary childcare centres, called Anganwadi Centres, in Madhepura district in Bihar, India. Anganwadi Centres are part of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme, a government programme aiming to improve child health and development. The study evaluates the introduction of a sustainable method of low-dosed iron supplementation, a reusable iron ingot, in the institution of Anganwadi Centres and its potential to reduce iron-deficiency anaemia among children.
This study is currently on hold due to the corona pandemic. It is not possible to conduct the study in Anganwadi Centres at the moment.
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Field
Last Published
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Before
February 11, 2020 01:43 PM
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After
August 18, 2020 05:52 AM
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Field
Intervention (Public)
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Before
Our intervention introduces a reusable iron ingot as a method of iron supplementation to Anganwadi Centres. The iron ingot releases a constant, low dose of bio-absorbable iron when boiled in water with some drops of lemon juice. Regular consumption of this iron-enriched drinking water can increase the haemoglobin content in the blood, reducing iron-deficiency anaemia.
In the light intervention treatment group, Anganwadi Workers (Sevikas) were invited to a two-hour training led by local female facilitators. They were introduced to the reusable iron ingot as a method of iron supplementation. Each Anganwadi Worker received five iron ingots for use at her Anganwadi Centre. They were instructed to provide the iron-enriched drinking water to the children attending the Anganwadi Centre every day.
In the intensive intervention treatment group, Anganwadi Workers were invited to a four-hour training led by local female facilitators. The content was similar to the training in the light intervention, but additionally contained elements aimed to increase motivation and confidence in overcoming challenges among the Anganwadi Workers. The helpers of these Anganwadi Workers (Sahikas) were invited to a two-hour training about the iron ingot following the four-hour session. Anganwadi Workers in this treatment group received iron ingots for use at the Anganwadi Centres as well as a regular supply of lemons and sugar required for using the iron ingots. In addition, they received a follow-up call to clarify potential questions.
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After
Our intervention introduces a reusable iron ingot as a method of iron supplementation to Anganwadi Centres. The iron ingot releases a constant, low dose of bio-absorbable iron when boiled in water with some drops of lemon juice. Regular consumption of this iron-enriched drinking water can increase the haemoglobin content in the blood, reducing iron-deficiency anaemia.
In the light intervention treatment group, Anganwadi Workers (Sevikas) were invited to a two-hour training led by local female facilitators. They were introduced to the reusable iron ingot as a method of iron supplementation. Each Anganwadi Worker received five iron ingots for use at her Anganwadi Centre. They were instructed to provide the iron-enriched drinking water to the children attending the Anganwadi Centre every day.
In the intensive intervention treatment group, Anganwadi Workers were invited to a four-hour training led by local female facilitators. The content was similar to the training in the light intervention, but additionally contained elements aimed to increase motivation and confidence in overcoming challenges among the Anganwadi Workers. The helpers of these Anganwadi Workers (Sahikas) were invited to a two-hour training about the iron ingot following the four-hour session. Anganwadi Workers in this treatment group received iron ingots for use at the Anganwadi Centres as well as a regular supply of lemons and sugar required for using the iron ingots. In addition, they received a follow-up call to clarify potential questions.
The implementation of workshops was completed by January 2020. The delivery of sugar and lemons stopped in March 2020, when Anganwadi Centres were closed due to the Corona pandemic. While Anganwadi Centres are closed, Anganwadi Workers are not able to provide iron-enriched drinking water to the children.
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