Evaluation of a civic engagement approach to catalyze built environment change and promote healthy eating and physical activity among rural residents: a cluster (community) randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies demonstrate associations between risk factors for obesity and related chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease) and features of the built environment. This is particularly true for rural populations, who have higher rates of obesity, cancer, and other chronic diseases than urban residents. There is also evidence linking health behaviors and outcomes to social factors such as social support, opposition, and norms. Thus, overlapping social networks that have a high degree of social capital and community cohesion, such as those found in rural communities, may be effective targets for introducing and maintaining healthy behaviors. METHODS: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the Change Club (CC) intervention, a civic engagement intervention for built environment change to improve health behaviors and outcomes for residents of rural communities. The CC intervention provides small groups of community residents (approximately 10-14 people) with nutrition and physical activity lessons and stepwise built environment change planning workshops delivered by trained extension educators via in-person, virtual, or hybrid methods. We will conduct process, multilevel outcome, and cost evaluations of implementation of the CC intervention in a cluster randomized controlled trial in 10 communities across two states using a two-arm parallel design. Change in the primary outcome, American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 composite cardiovascular health score, will be evaluated among CC members, their friends and family members, and other community residents and compared to comparable samples in control communities. We will also evaluate changes at the social/collective level (e.g., social cohesion, social trust) and examine costs as well as barriers and facilitators to implementation. DISCUSSION: Our central hypothesis is the CC intervention will improve health behaviors and outcomes among engaged citizens and their family and friends within 24 months. Furthermore, we hypothesize that positive changes will catalyze critical steps in the pathway to improving longer-term health among community residents through improved healthy eating and physical activity opportunities. This study also represents a unique opportunity to evaluate process and cost-related data, which will provide key insights into the viability of this approach for widespread dissemination. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05002660 , Registered 12 August 2021.

Social and behaviour change communication to improve child feeding practices in Ethiopia.

Social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) interventions can positively affect optimal nutritional practices. This study evaluated the added value of a virtual facilitator tool to an enhanced community conversation (ECC) programme to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practice among children under the Growth through Nutrition Activity programme in Ethiopia. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a control group. Pregnant and/or lactating women were the study population for both study groups. The intervention (ECC + VF) group received all the same components as the control group but had the addition of in-person ECC meetings supplemented with audio-recorded virtual facilitators (VF) sessions designed to complement the monthly meeting lesson or topic. A difference in difference analysis was employed using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) in Stata version 15.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX). A p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant for all tests. Accordingly, a 13.6% change in iron folic acid (IFA) intake for 3 months and above was observed in the intervention group. Even though not statistically significant, large to moderate positive changes in child minimum diet diversity (20%), minimum acceptable diet (18%) and women diet diversity (7.9%) were observed in the intervention group. This study identified the use of virtual facilitators as a modality to transmit standard nutrition messages during ECC programmes for optimal IYCF practices. The findings strengthen the notion that using a combination of SBCC approaches has advantage over a single method in improving important nutritional practices.

Maternal nutritional status mediates the association between maternal age and birth outcomes.

Young maternal age during pregnancy is linked with adverse birth outcomes. This study examined the role of maternal nutritional status in the association between maternal age and small for gestational age (SGA) delivery and birth length. We used data from a birth cohort study in Ethiopia, involving women who were 15-24 years of age and their newborns. A mediation analysis was fitted in a sample of 1,422 mother infant dyads for whom data on birth length were available, and 777 dyads for whom gestational age and birth weight was measured. We used commands, medeff for the mediation analysis and medsens for sensitivity analysis in STATA 14. Maternal nutritional status, measured by mid-upper arm circumference, mediated 21% of the association between maternal age and birth length and 14% of the association with SGA delivery. The average direct effect (ADE) of maternal age on birth length was (ß = 0.45, 95% CI [0.17, 0.99]) and the average causal mediated effect (ACME) was (ß = 0.12, 95% CI [0.02, 0.15]). We also found an ADE (ß = 0.31, 95% CI [0.09, 0.47]) and an ACME of (ß = 0.05, 95% CI [0.003, 0.205]) of maternal age on SGA delivery. The sensitivity analysis suggests an unmeasured confounder with a positive correlation of 0.15 and 0.20 between the mediator and the outcome could explain the observed ACME for birth length and SGA, respectively. We cannot make strong causal assertions as the findings suggest the mediator partly explained the total effect of maternal age on both outcomes.

Adolescent pregnancy and linear growth of infants: a birth cohort study in rural Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Evidences indicate that the risk of linear growth faltering is higher among children born from young mothers. Although such findings have been documented in various studies, they mainly originate from cross-sectional data and demographic and health surveys which are not designed to capture the growth trajectories of the same group of children. This study aimed to assess the association between young maternal age and linear growth of infants using data from a birth cohort study in Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 1423 mother-infant pairs, from a birth cohort study in rural Ethiopia were included in this study. They were followed for five time points, with three months interval until the infants were 12 months old. However, the analysis was based on 1378 subjects with at least one additional follow-up measurement to the baseline. A team of data collectors including nurses collected questionnaire based data and anthropometric measurements from the dyads. We fitted linear mixed-effects model with random intercept and random slope to determine associations of young maternal age and linear growth of infants over the follow-up period after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 27.2% of the mothers were adolescents (15-19 years) and the mean ± SD age of the mothers was 20 ± 2 years. Infant Length for Age Z score (LAZ) at birth was negatively associated with maternal age of 15-19 years (ß = - 0.24, P = 0.032). However, young maternal age had no significant association with linear growth of the infants over the follow-up time (P = 0.105). Linear growth of infants was associated positively with improved maternal education and iron-folate intake during pregnancy and negatively with infant illness (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Young maternal age had a significant negative association with LAZ score of infants at birth while its association over time was not influential on their linear growth. The fact that wide spread socio economic and environmental inequalities exist among mothers of all ages may have contributed to the non-significant association between young maternal age and linear growth faltering of infants. This leaves an opportunity to develop comprehensive interventions targeting for the infants to attain optimal catch-up growth.

Burden and determinants of undernutrition among young pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Undernutrition is a major public health concern due to its association with the mortality and disease burden of women and children. This study aimed at identifying the extent and determinants of undernutrition among young pregnant women in Ethiopia. A multivariable regression analysis was fitted to identify determinants of undernutrition and anaemia in a sample of 1,393 pregnant women. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. All the analyses were performed using STATA version 14 and adjusted for clustering. The study revealed that 38% of the women were undernourished and 22% were anaemic. Improved maternal education, RR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.89, 0.98]; higher wealth status, RR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.47, 0.95]; higher minimum dietary diversity for women, RR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.77, 0.98]; increased maternal height, RR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.94, 0.98]; and protected water source, RR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.86, 0.96], have decreased the risk of undernutrition while using unimproved toilet, RR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.06, 1.63], and depression, RR = 1.33, 95% CI [1.14, 1.55], increased the risk of anaemia. Animal source food consumption decreased both the risk of undernutrition, RR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.77, 0.94], and anaemia, RR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.85, 0.95]. The burden of undernutrition is still high. Although improved socio-economic status and dietary practices decreased the risk of undernutrition, poor health and environmental conditions were still significant risk factors. These findings suggest the need to target this set of important determinants to significantly decrease the burden of undernutrition among young pregnant women.

The Role of Household Assets in Improving Women's Dietary Diversity in Ethiopia.

Background: ENGINE (Empowering New Generations for Improved Nutrition and Economic Opportunities) was a US Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded project implemented in Ethiopia from 2011 to 2016. ENGINE used a multisectoral approach to achieve the goals articulated in the Government of Ethiopia's National Nutrition Plan, among which is improvement in the dietary intakes of women and preschool-aged children. Objectives: The objectives of the present research are 2-fold: 1) to document trends in women's dietary diversity (WDD) and 2) to identify factors associated with dietary diversity for women. Methods: Descriptive statistics and multivariate, pooled analyses were calculated. Results: Results indicate that WDD was low, ranging, on average, from 3.0 to 4.0 (out of a possible 10). Across the time points covered reflecting pregnancy and 1-y postpartum, only ∼13% to 17% of women met the Minimum Dietary Diversity Score for Women (MDD-W). Conclusions: The production of both food and cash crops and the rearing of livestock were significant predictors of improved dietary diversity in women. The focus of ENGINE on a diverse set of agricultural activities improved WDD and MDD-W in a population of women where dietary diversity is poor.

Dietary Outcomes, Nutritional Status, and Household Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Practices.

Background: The Government of Ethiopia has made a major commitment toward improving food security, diet, nutrition, and health through a series of national nutrition plans. The focus of these plans is on providing both nutrition-specific as well as nutrition-sensitive approaches for achieving national priorities for health and nutrition. The present study conducted a secondary analysis of data provided through a larger birth cohort study conducted in Ethiopia between 2014 and 2016. Objectives: The overall objectives of this research were to assess the relation between minimum dietary diversity in women and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and evaluate the association between midupper arm circumference (MUAC) in women and WASH. Methods: In addition to descriptive statistics, the study used mixed effects logistic regression analyses to investigate the relation between dietary diversity, MUAC, and household WASH practices. Results: Improved WASH practices were associated with an increased probability (p = 0.04) that a woman would consume a diet with foods from 5 or more food groups. A beneficial effect was observed for improved WASH practices and a decrease in low MUAC. Improved household WASH practices were successful in contributing to improved dietary diversity in women as well as an improved MUAC. Conclusions: Interventions aimed at improving the diet and nutritional status of women during and after pregnancy should include relevant WASH components as essential elements in multisector nutrition programming.

Household Decision-Making: Implications for Production, Consumption, and Sale of Nutrient-Rich Foods.

Household decision-making influences choices related to the production, sale, purchase, and consumption of nutrient-rich foods. The present study assessed the effect of household decision-making in 2 regions of Ethiopia within 2 groups of households, most vulnerable households and model farmer households. The study focused on identifying barriers and facilitators relating to decisions about nutrient-rich foods-in this case fruits, vegetables, and animal source foods. The results provide insights into how future agricultural programs can affect key aspects of decision-making to maximize the positive impacts on diet and food security.

Essential Health and Nutrition Service Provision during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons from Select Ethiopian Woredas.

The world has faced a public health emergency due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study with mixed methods was conducted to review the status of maternal and child health care and nutrition service delivery during the early months of the pandemic in woredas (districts) targeted by the Growth through Nutrition Activity, a multi-sectoral nutrition project in Ethiopia. Comparison with the previous year showed some decline in key maternal and child health and nutrition services, with more pronounced effects during the early months of March and April before coordinated effort and standard guidance were well established. A recovery of most services was likely due in no small part to a range of mitigation interventions implemented by respective health workers and institutions, supervising government organizations, and through support from non-governmental organizations.

Nutrition Policy and Governance in Ethiopia: What Difference Does 5 Years Make?

Two studies, ENGINE (Empowering New Generations to Improve Nutrition and Economic opportunities) and Growth through Nutrition, were conducted in the same 4 regions of Ethiopia approximately 5 years apart. A similar protocol using a quantitative and qualitative survey of key informants at the subnational level was used to explore barriers and facilitators for implementation of the country's national multisector nutrition plan. Noticeable differences were observed, including a change in the perception of the nutrition problems in pregnant women and preschool aged children and greater awareness of the multisector plan. Poor coordination and collaboration were still noted in both time periods. A key issue highlighted was the need to keep up the momentum for multisector approaches to improve nutrition in the policy agenda.

Nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive factors associated with mid-upper arm circumference as a measure of nutritional status in pregnant Ethiopian women: Implications for programming in the first 1000 days.

Poor nutritional status in pregnancy expressed as low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is associated with low birth weight. The study aims were to assess the nutritional status of pregnant Ethiopian women using MUAC and examine association with nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive factors, using baseline data of a prospective longitudinal observational birth cohort study conducted in three rural districts in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Recruitment into the cohort was rolling over a period of nine months, and the data used for this analysis were collected while the women were between 12-32 weeks of gestation. Detailed household socio-demographics, agricultural production, women's health, morbidity and diets, with weights, heights and MUAC, and anemia prevalence (HemoCue) were collected. The prevalence of low MUAC (< 23 cm) was 41%. Controlling for location and clustering, wealth quintile (OR = 0.88, CI = 0.82 to 0.96, p<0.01) was associated with decreased risk of low MUAC, while trimester (OR = 1.31, CI = 1.16 to 1.48, p<0.001) was associated with increased risk of low MUAC. The only significant factor amenable to nutrition-specific interventions was altitude-adjusted anemia, which was associated with increased risk of low MUAC (OR = 1.28, CI = 1.09 to 1.49, p<0.01). Significant factors amenable to nutrition-sensitive factors and associated with higher odds of low MUAC were household food insecurity (OR = 1.04, CI = 1.02 to 1.06, p<0.001), distance to the clinic in minutes (OR = 1.01, CI = 1.0 to 1.01, p<0.0001) and season of recruitment (lean versus non lean) (OR = 1.30, CI = 1.10 to 1.54, p<0.01). Literacy (OR = 0.85, CI = 0.74 to 0.98, p<0.05) and numeracy (OR = 0.75, CI = 0.62 to 0.91, p<0.01) were also significantly associated with lower odds of low MUAC. Poor nutritional status in pregnancy expressed as percent with low MUAC was high in Ethiopian women. It was associated with several nutrition-specific and -sensitive factors indicating the importance of multisectoral actions in improving outcomes within the first 1000 days.

Food Systems: Pathways for Improved Diets and Nutrition.

The United Nations has declared 2016-2025 as the Decade of Action on Nutrition. The emphasis of this decade is on alleviating malnutrition in all its forms. Food systems are 1 of 6 priorities for achieving this goal. This brief uses a food-systems approach to analyze the effects of agriculture production, commercialization, and sex on diet quality and nutrition.

Predictors of anemia in pregnant women residing in rural areas of the Oromiya region of Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Anemia in pregnancy is associated with higher risk of low birth weight and both maternal and perinatal mortality. While previous studies in Ethiopia have examined factors associated with anemia, which factors are the most important determinants of anemia in this population remain unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the association between anemia status in pregnant women with different health, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors in Oromiya province of Ethiopia. METHODS: This study used pregnancy enrollment data from a longitudinal birth cohort study conducted in Ethiopia. Survey data on maternal and household characteristics were collected at enrollment and maternal hemoglobin levels were measured. The analysis includes 4600 pregnant women. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with maternal anemia in pregnancy. RESULTS: Controlling for geographic location and religion, low maternal MUAC and previous pregnancies were associated with increased odds of anemia, with odds ratios of 1.30 (p < 0.001, CI 1.12-1.51), and 1.50 (p = 0.002, CI 1.16-1.95), respectively. For each additional point on the handwashing score scale, the odds of being anemic were reduced by 12% (p < 0.001, CI 0.82-0.94). Numerate women compared to non-numerate women had 30% lower odds (p < 0.001, CI 0.57-0.85). CONCLUSION: Controlling for woreda and religion, low maternal MUAC, and previous pregnancy increased odds of anemia while numeracy and better handwashing practices significantly reduced the odds of anemia in pregnancy. Further investigation is needed to determine the cause of anemia in pregnant women in Oromiya and to determine the effects of maternal anemia on birth outcomes.