HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR MOTHERS OF CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency world-wide. The maximum incidence occurs between 6 months and two years of age. Improving child's health and its nutrition status are not only gained through acquiring enough and correct knowledge but also, adopting good health practice and taking care of child feeding. The present study was designed to assess knowledge, beliefs and practice of mothers regarding factors leading to iron deficiency anemia among children. - Develop a health education program according to the needs of the target group. - Determine the effect of the program in terms of changes in: a. Mother's knowledge, beliefs and practices. b. Hemoglobin level, weight and the height of the children of target group. A random sample was selected for this study. The study was carried out in the MCH in Sharjah in UAE. The sample size was 200 anemic children aged 6-24 months and mothers, 100 of them were randomly assigned face to face intervention program (experimental group). Another 100 were the control group. Data were collected through the use of interview questionnaire and review of health center records to obtain the data about: - Hemoglobin level, MCV, MCH, RDW, weight and height.