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Effect of nutrition intervention on cognitive development among malnourished preschool children: randomized

Ansuya1, Baby S Nayak2, B Unnikrishnan3

  • 1Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Scientific Reports
|June 30, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A nutrition intervention significantly improved cognitive development in malnourished preschool children. Home-based nutrition support enhanced children's cognitive function compared to a control group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Childhood malnutrition negatively impacts long-term health, development, and adult productivity.
  • Underweight children often exhibit cognitive deficits, affecting their overall development.
  • Preschool-aged children are particularly vulnerable to the cognitive effects of malnutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of a nutrition-focused intervention on the cognitive development of malnourished preschool children.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of home-based nutrition education and reinforcement for improving cognitive outcomes.
  • To compare cognitive development trajectories in intervention and control groups over 12 months.

Main Methods:

  • A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 12 villages in Udupi district, Karnataka.
  • 253 preschool children (3-5 years) were assigned to intervention (n=127) or control (n=126) groups.
  • Mothers in the intervention arm received 12 months of nutrition education and reinforcement; cognitive development was assessed at 6 and 12 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

  • In the intervention group, average cognitive development scores decreased from 52% (pre-test) to 5.5% (post-test), indicating a shift towards higher cognitive function.
  • The control group showed a decline in average cognitive development from 44.4% (pre-test) to 26.2% (post-test).
  • Cognitive development significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Home-based nutrition-focused interventions are effective in enhancing the cognitive development of malnourished preschool children.
  • Targeted nutritional support can mitigate cognitive impairments associated with childhood malnutrition.
  • This study highlights the importance of maternal education in nutrition for improving child cognitive outcomes.

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