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Published on: February 5, 2019
[Impacts of the 10 Steps to Healthy Feeding in Infants: a randomized field trial]
Márcia Regina Vitolo1, Gisele Ane Bortolini, Carlos Alberto Feldens
1Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, Brazil. vitolo@bios.unisinos.br
Insights
The Ten Steps to Healthy Feeding program improved infant breastfeeding rates and reduced common illnesses like diarrhea and respiratory problems in low-income families. However, it did not prevent anemia or improve overall nutritional status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health Interventions
- Infant Health
Context:
- Low-income families face unique challenges in providing optimal nutrition for infants.
- Early childhood nutrition significantly impacts long-term health outcomes.
- Evidence-based nutritional guidance is crucial for vulnerable populations.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the "Ten Steps to Healthy Feeding: A Nutritional Guide for Children under Two" program.
- To assess the impact of nutritional orientation on infant feeding practices and health in a low-income cohort.
- To identify specific health outcomes influenced by early nutritional interventions.
Summary:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 500 newborns (200 intervention, 300 control) assessed the "Ten Steps to Healthy Feeding" program.
- The intervention group received targeted nutritional guidance, showing significantly higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 and 6 months, and continued breastfeeding at 12 months.
- The intervention group also experienced lower incidences of diarrhea, respiratory issues, medication use, and dental caries by 12-16 months.
Impact:
- The program successfully promoted healthier infant feeding practices and improved key infant health indicators.
- It demonstrated a significant reduction in common childhood illnesses and dental caries.
- The intervention was insufficient in preventing iron deficiency anemia or improving overall nutritional status, highlighting areas for future program enhancement.
Abstract:
This study assesses the impact of an intervention known as the Ten Steps to Healthy Feeding: A Nutritional Guide for Children under Two on nutritional conditions and infant health in low-income families. Two hundred newborns were randomized to the intervention group and three hundred to the control group. Parents of the intervention group received nutritional orientation during the child's first year of life. Both groups received visits at 6 and 12 months and routine follow-up by their pediatricians. The results (n = 397) showed that the intervention was associated with a higher proportion of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months (RR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.21-2.06) and 6 months (RR = 2.34; 95%CI: 1.37-3.99) and breastfeeding at 12 months (RR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.02-1.55) and a lower proportion of children with diarrhea (RR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.51-0.90), respiratory problems (RR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.46-0.85), use of medication (RR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.34-0.91), and dental caries (RR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.32-0.96) in the 12-16 month bracket. The intervention had no effect on the occurrence of anemia, hospitalization, or nutritional status. The results suggest that the nutritional orientation program led to positive changes in infant feeding practices and health conditions, but that it was insufficient to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
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