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Impact of a school-based nutrition educational intervention on knowledge related to iron deficiency anaemia in rural Karnataka, India: A mixed methods pre-post interventional study
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  • Geetanjali Katageri,
  • Shumona Sharmin Salam,
  • Umesh Ramadurg,
  • Umesh Charantimath,
  • Bronwen Gillespie,
  • Jayaraj Mhetri,
  • Shrinivas Patil,
  • Ashalata Mallapur,
  • Chandrashekhar Karadiguddi,
  • Phaniraj Vastrad,
  • Ashwini Dandappanavar,
  • Subarna Roy,
  • Basavaraj Peerapur,
  • Shivaprasad Goudar,
  • Dilly Anumba
Geetanjali Katageri
BVVS S Nijalingappa Medical College and HSK Hospital and Research Centre

Corresponding Author:katagerigm@gmail.com

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Shumona Sharmin Salam
The University of Sheffield Department of Oncology and Metabolism
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Umesh Ramadurg
BVVS S Nijalingappa Medical College and HSK Hospital and Research Centre
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Umesh Charantimath
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
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Bronwen Gillespie
The University of Sheffield Department of Oncology and Metabolism
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Jayaraj Mhetri
BVVS S Nijalingappa Medical College and HSK Hospital and Research Centre
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Shrinivas Patil
BVVS S Nijalingappa Medical College and HSK Hospital and Research Centre
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Ashalata Mallapur
BVVS S Nijalingappa Medical College and HSK Hospital and Research Centre
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Chandrashekhar Karadiguddi
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
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Phaniraj Vastrad
Model Rural Health Research Unit
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Ashwini Dandappanavar
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
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Subarna Roy
ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine
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Basavaraj Peerapur
Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences
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Shivaprasad Goudar
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
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Dilly Anumba
The University of Sheffield Department of Oncology and Metabolism
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Abstract

Objective: To understand the extent to which adolescent awareness of and attitudes about anaemia and anaemia prevention can be changed by nutrition messages received at school. Design: Mixed-methods pre–post intervention study Setting: Three Government schools in Bagalkot, Belagavi and Raichur districts of Karnataka, India Population or Sample: Students of grade six and seven and teachers involved in implementing the intervention. Methods: An education intervention was co-developed by school teachers and nutrition experts using locally adapted resource materials that consisted of lectures, role play and practical demonstrations. Seven half-hour educational sessions were delivered by school teachers over seven weeks to 455 students. Pre- and post-intervention tests measured changes in adolescents’ knowledge about anaemia. In-depth interviews with teachers and focus groups with students explored reactions to the intervention. Main outcome measures: Knowledge score related to anaemia Results: The percentage of children with correct scores increased by 7.3 - 49.0 percentage points for the tested questions after implementation of the intervention. The mean knowledge score increased by 3.67±0.17(p<0.01). During interviews, teachers and students highlighted high acceptance of the intervention and materials, an increase in awareness, a positive attitude towards changing behaviour around diet, an increase in the demand for iron folic acid supplements and improved sharing of messages learned with peers and families. Challenges expressed included need for further training, time limitations and hesitancy in teaching about menstruation and pregnancy. Conclusions: Educational interventions carried out for adolescents by teachers in schools are effective in improving awareness and attitude related to anaemia.
27 Mar 2023Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
27 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
27 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
27 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
26 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
29 Jun 20231st Revision Received
01 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
01 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
10 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Accept