Impact of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Knowledge, Healthy Eating Index, and Biochemical Profile in a Rural Community in Peru

Background

Non-communicable diseases in adults and anemia in children represent a major global public health problem, with multiple causes including poor dietary quality. However, nutrition education interventions can empower individuals to make appropriate dietary changes.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a nutritional education intervention on nutrition knowledge (NK), healthy eating index (HEI), and biochemical profile in families in the community in Peru.

Methods

A pre-experimental study was conducted in the community of Sinchicuy, located on the banks of the Amazon River, Iquitos, Peru. Nutrition education was provided over a 16-week period to a total of 61 heads of household (23 children under 5 years of age and 23 older adults). Fasting glucose and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration analyses were also carried out before and after the intervention.

Results

After the intervention, a significant improvement in the NK score was observed, increasing by 90% (p < 0.001). Additionally, the average HEI scores experienced a significant increase, rising by approximately 11.4% (p < 0.001). In children under 5 years of age, the Hb level showed a significant increase of 5.1% (p = 0.017). However, no statistically significant difference in glucose concentration was observed in older adults after the intervention.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicated a positive impact on NK, HEI, and Hb in heads of households, older adults, and children under five in a rural community where there is limited access to basic services.