[Effect of a food-nutritional intervention on hemoglobin and anemia in children and adolescents ‒ A quasi-experimental study].

Abstract

Introduction: anemia in children and adolescents is a major global public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income settings.

Objective: to evaluate the effect of dietary and nutritional intervention on hemoglobin concentration, the prevalence of anemia, and nutritional status in children and adolescents.

Methods: a quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention measurements was conducted in an urban-rural community at 1.526 m above sea level, including children and adolescents with mild or moderate anemia. The six-month intervention consisted of the administration of iron supplements, milk mixtures, vitamin and mineral-fortified beverages, and nutritional education for caregivers. The primary outcome was altitude-adjusted hemoglobin concentration; secondary outcomes included the prevalence of anemia and anthropometric indicators. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were compared using parametric tests, under an intention-to-treat approach.

Results: A total of 73 participants were included (52 % children, 48 % adolescents). Hemoglobin levels increased by 1.85 ± 1.28 g/dl (95 % CI: 1.55-2.15; p < 0.001), representing a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.44). The prevalence of anemia decreased by 72.6 percentage points, reaching 27.4 % at the end of the intervention. No significant changes in nutritional status were observed. At the population level, the prevalence of anemia decreased from 31.1 % to 8.5 %.

Conclusions: dietary and nutritional intervention was effective in increasing hemoglobin levels and reducing the prevalence of anemia, supporting the use of comprehensive strategies in urban and rural settings.