Multicomponent intervention increases nutrition knowledge scores in rural China

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Education
• Rural Health

Background:

• Improving nutrition knowledge (NK) is vital for public health.
• Rural China faces challenges in delivering effective nutrition education.
• Accessible and feasible interventions are needed for rural populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a multicomponent nutrition education intervention for resource-limited rural areas in China.
• To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the designed intervention.
• To identify prioritized intervention strategies based on coverage, cost, and impact.

Main Methods:

• A four-week multicomponent nutrition education intervention was developed using focus group discussions in five Chengdu villages.
• Effectiveness was measured via pre- and post-intervention cross-sectional surveys using a validated NK questionnaire.
• Intervention channels were prioritized based on coverage, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Median NK scores significantly increased from 60.0 to 70.0 (p < 0.001) post-intervention.
• Significant NK improvements were observed across all demographic subgroups, with greater gains in those with lower baseline knowledge.
• The most effective and feasible strategies were loudspeaker broadcasts and WeChat group videos, followed by posters, leaflets, CTF, and prize quizzes.

Conclusions:

• Multicomponent nutrition education interventions are effective and equitable for improving rural residents' NK in China.
• A combination of loudspeaker broadcasts and WeChat group videos is a cost-effective core strategy for resource-limited settings.
• Integrating such models into primary public health services, with government support, is recommended to achieve "Healthy China" goals.