African Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery (Clinical aspects) | 08 January 2012
Evaluation of School-Based Nutrition Interventions to Combat Adolescent Anemia in Ghana's Far North Region, 2012
F, r, e, d, d, y, A, n, n, a, n
Abstract
Adolescent anemia is a significant public health issue in Ghana's Far North Region, with high prevalence rates among adolescent girls. A randomized controlled trial was conducted across ten schools, with baseline and follow-up data collected using validated dietary assessment tools and blood tests for hemoglobin measurement. Participants received fortified foods and educational sessions on nutrition and hygiene practices. Fortified food supplementation led to a statistically significant increase in mean hemoglobin levels by approximately 10% (95% CI: 7%-13%) compared to the control group, indicating substantial improvements in anemia status among adolescent girls. The school-based nutrition interventions demonstrated promising results in reducing adolescent anemia. Further research is warranted to explore long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of these approaches. Policy makers should prioritise funding for such intervention programmes, emphasising the importance of dietary diversification and regular health screenings within schools. Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.