Summative Evaluation of a Malnutrition Program for Children in the Dominican Republic

Due to the prevalence and impact of childhood undernutrition, the objective of the study was to investigate causes of malnutrition and evaluate the effectiveness of a Nutrition-Supplementation Program (NSP) in rural Dominican Republic with and without nutrition counseling. Causes of undernutrition were examined by qualitative interviews conducted with parents. Program effectiveness was measured by comparing children’s pre- and post-percentage goal weight/age. The most prevalent contributors of malnutrition found were food insecurity, disease, poor maternal and child health policies, and lack of knowledge. Children who received only milk and vitamin supplementation did not improve % goal weight/age (MEAN pre=77.3; MEAN post=78.1; t=0.21; p<.83). Children who had both nutrition counseling and supplementation improved markedly (MEAN pre=67.2, MEAN post=78.2; t=3.01; p<.07). Because of the complexity of malnutrition, programs are most successful when multiple interventions including nutritioncounseling are provided.