An intervention based on self efficacy and parenting competence to help recovery childhood malnutrition

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of the program “Foundations for a healthy life” on parental competence for correct nutrition and on nutritional status of malnourished grade 1 children on a program of nutritional recovery with Amaranth.

Methods: Design: Before-after study with intervention and follow up, from June 2015 to November 2017. Instruments: Scale Seca 700, stadiometer Seca 220, Reminder 24 hours and Self-perception of Parental Competence Tool. Setting: Ministry of Health: Nutritional Recovery Program. Participants: Intervention group: Twenty-six dyads caregiver-malnourished grade one children; Control group: Thirty-two malnourished grade one children. Intervention: “Foundations for a healthy life” program. Variables: Nutritional status, parental competence, Kilocalories, macronutrients, fruit and vegetables. Analysis: Wilcoxon and t student tests, Relative Risk, 95% CI, significance p ≤ .05.

Results: Intervention vs control group: normalization on the nutritional status 63% vs 29% (p ≤ .05). Caloric adequacy 27% to 81% and protein adequacy 23% to 58%, increased intake of fruits and vegetables. Caregivers trained was associated with the improvement of the nutritional status of the children: post-intervention third month (RR 2.27, 95% CI, p ≤ .05).

Conclusions and Implications: The program was effective in improving nutritional status and PCCN by continuing for three months. It is recommended follow-up six months to verify development of new habits.