Milk supplementation increases mid-upper arm circumference and haemoglobin level among pregnant women in Kupang, Indonesia: Evidence from a regression discontinuity design
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2021-0023
- Author:
Ahmad Syafiq
1
;
Sandra Fikawati
1
;
Nindhita Priscillia Muharrani
1
;
Mardatillah
1
Author Information
1. Center for Nutrition and Health Studies, Faculty of Public Health University of Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
haemoglobin level, milk supplementation, MUAC, pregnant women, regression discontinuity design
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2022;28(No.2):191-202
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The high prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) and anaemia
among pregnant women in Indonesia is worrying. Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) is one
of the provinces in Indonesia with the highest prevalence of CED. This study aimed to
determine the effect of fortified milk supplementation on changes in mid-upper arm
circumference (MUAC) and haemoglobin level among pregnant women. Methods:
This quasi-experimental study was conducted in three locations of Community
Health Centers in NTT from May to August 2019. Purposive sampling was used to
recruit 69 pregnant women who were divided into two groups based on haemoglobin
levels; the intervention group consisted of 31 pregnant women with haemoglobin
levels below 11 g/dL, and control group consisted of 38 pregnant women with
haemoglobin levels above 11 g/dL. Intervention group was provided with fortified
milk supplementation, while control group received education about prevention of
CED and anaemia. Data were analysed using regression discontinuity design with
haemoglobin of 11 g/dL as cut-off. Results: Using regression discontinuity method,
we were able to determine the effect of milk supplementation based on haemoglobin
levels and confirm the result that milk supplementation significantly increased
MUAC by 4.69 cm. Despite no discontinuity found, a positive increase of 0.98 g/dL
in haemoglobin level was important to note. Conclusion: Milk supplementation of
300 kcal/day for three months significantly increased MUAC and to some extent,
increased haemoglobin level. Thus, it should be considered when planning nutrition
programmes to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women.
- Full text:4.2022my0576.pdf
