Research Projects

To address the issue of maternal under nutrition and consequential adverse effects on birth outcomes or growth of children, Department of Woman and Child Development, Government of Karnataka is initiated Mathru Poorna scheme; a new strategy on the provision of hot cooked meal served to Pregnant and Lactating mothers at Anganwadi Centres (AWC’s) along with IFA supplement in order to ensure consumption of the food meeting 40% of the day’s nutrient requirement. This initiative provides a unique opportunity to understand the impact of nutritious food on pregnancy outcome and child development. The overall aim is to study the impact of one full meal (ofM) provided to pregnant women in improving pregnancy and infant outcomes and objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of the meal in increasing maternal weight and haemoglobin during pregnancy and birth weight and length of the new born. Secondary objective is to understand the perspectives of pregnant and lactating mothers regarding ofM provided through Mathru Poorna scheme and to understand barriers, facilitators and contextual factors in implementation of Mathru Poorna scheme. The evaluation is proposed in four taluks, namely Manvi (Raichur), H.D Kote (Mysore), Saundatti (Belgaum) and Pavagada (Tumkur). Pregnant and lactating women receiving one full meal provided by the WCD. Participants are recruited at their 1st/ 2nd trimester and baseline data on demography, heath and obstetric history and information on the services availed from the Aanganwadi centres was elicited. Blood haemoglobin test will be done at second trimester and at third trimester. Monthly weight of the mothers is monitored and new born assessment of weigh and length will be done after delivery. So far, we have recruited 1200 women and their baseline data and haemoglobin has been collected and monthly weight recording is in progress. The study is approved by Department of women and child development and institutional ethics committee.

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1. Baseline haemoglobin tests have been conducted among 1200 pregnant women from four blocks namely, Manvi in Raichur, Pavagada in Tumkur, Saundatti in Belgaum and H.D Kote in Mysuru. 2. So far 18 in depth interviews (IDIs) among beneficiaries, 12 IDIs among stake holders and 6 Focus group discussions with stake holders and 6 Focus group discussions with beneficiaries has been conducted to understand perspectives, facilitators and barriers for availing the spot meal. 3. In addition, 884 pregnant women have been followed up with the monthly weight recording and at birth assessment of babies has been completed.

Normal weight gain and increase in the hemoglobin levels during pregnancy. Normal weight for the length in new-borns.

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