Cognitive development among children in a low-income setting: Cost-effectiveness analysis of a maternal nutrition education intervention in rural Uganda
Associate professor Prudence Atukunda Friberg is co-author on an article that examining how inadequate nutrition and insufficient stimulation in early childhood can lead to long-term deficits in cognitive and social development.
Main content
The aim of the study is to influence policy and decision-making regarding the costs of delivering nutrition education deficiencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In rural Uganda, we conducted a randomized trial examining the effects of a maternal nutrition education intervention on developmental outcomes among children aged 6-8 months. This intervention led to significantly improved cognitive scores when the children reached the age of 20-24 months.
When considering the potential for implementing this intervention's in the future, the desired effects should be weighed against the increased costs. The study is therefore aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of this educational intervention compared to current practice. Health outcome data were based on RCTs. Cost data were first identified by reviewing publications from RCTs, while more detailed information was obtained by interviewing researchers involved in the treatment of the intervention. This study considered a health personnel perspective for an 18-month time horizon. The article is published in the National Library of Medicine.
