Masters Dissertation
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where blood lacks adequate healthy red blood
cells. In Tanzania, 58 percent of under-five children suffering iron deficiency anaemia.
This study aimed to assessing the effectiveness of micronutrients powder in reducing iron
deficiency anaemia among under-five children. A longitudinal, randomized study was
carried out. A total of 167 children were randomly assigned into three intervention
groups which received MNP for 60 days, Group one (n= 56) received one sachet of MNP
daily, group two (n = 55) received one sachet of MNP in alternate days while Group three
(n= 56) received one sachet per week. Using the HemoCue technique, a finger-prick
blood was taken at all period of the intervention and used to determine haemoglobin
concentrations. A questionnaire was constructed to solicit information on the perception
of mothers/caregivers, dietary diversity score and anthropometric measurements. Data
collected using questionnaire were coded and analyzed using SPSS. Comparison of
anthropometric measurements was analyzed by ANOVA. Result showed that, at the end
of the intervention, haemoglobin concentrations were significantly higher (P ˂ 0.05) in
participants who received dose one and dose two relative to those who received dose
three. At baseline, prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia was 65.5%. There was
significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) in the prevalence of anthropometric measurements before
and after intervention. There was no significant difference (P ˃ 0.05) between DDS and
increased haemoglobin concentration. Mothers/caregivers perceived some positive effects
on their children health behaviours.It was concluded from this study that, MNP is
effective in reducing the iron deficiency anaemia to under-five children. It also improved
weight for age and weight for height. Based on this study it is recommended that,
mothers/caregivers with low income should use dose two in reducing iron deficiency
anaemia. Dose three is only effective for mildly anaemia children.