A community-based cluster randomized controlled trial of "directly observed home-based daily iron therapy" in lowering prevalence of anemia in rural women and adolescent girls.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of directly observed home-based daily iron therapy (DOHBIT) versus unsupervised self-treatment in reducing anemia among rural women and adolescent girls.
Results Summary
DOHBIT significantly reduced anemia prevalence (16.8% vs. 35.3%), increased hemoglobin levels (70.2% vs. 42.2% achieved ≥2 g/dL rise), and showed higher adherence (93% vs. 60%) compared to unsupervised treatment, with a nonsignificant trend toward fewer side effects (3.5% vs. 6.7%).
Population
Rural women and adolescent girls with anemia.
Effective Dosage
Not specified in the abstract.
Duration
90 days.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
directly observed home-based daily iron therapy | decrease | anemia | anemic women and adolescent girls | RR = 0.47 [95% CI = 0.33-0.65] | significantly lower relative risk | #1 |
directly observed home-based daily iron therapy | increase | hemoglobin | anemic women and adolescent girls | ≥2 g/dL (70.2% vs 42.2%, RR = 1.56 [95% CI = 1.31-1.87]) | higher hemoglobin rise | #2 |
directly observed home-based daily iron therapy | decrease | side effects | anemic women and adolescent girls | RR = 0.49 [95% CI = 0.22-1.08] | nonsignificant trend for lower | #3 |
directly observed home-based daily iron therapy | increase | Hb levels | anemic women and adolescent girls | 13.01 vs 12.32 g/dL | demonstrated higher mean | #4 |
directly observed home-based daily iron therapy | increase | adherence to iron therapy | anemic women and adolescent girls | 93% vs 60% | higher | #5 |
In a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned clusters of anemic women and adolescent girls to either "directly observed home-based daily iron therapy" (DOHBIT; n = 524 in 16 villages) or unsupervised self-treatment at home (n = 535 in 16 villages) for a period of 90 days. Those in the DOHBIT group, when compared with those in the unsupervised self-treatment group, had significantly lower relative risk (RR) of anemia (16.8% vs 35.3%, RR = 0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33-0.65]; P < .0001), higher hemoglobin (Hb) rise of ≥2 g/dL (70.2% vs 42.2%, RR = 1.56 [95% CI = 1.31-1.87]; P <.0001), and nonsignificant trend for lower side effects (3.5% vs 6.7%, RR = 0.49 [95% CI = 0.22-1.08; P < .08) on intention-to-treat analyses. On linear mixed model analysis, the subjects in the intervention group demonstrated higher mean Hb levels (13.01 vs 12.32 g/dL; P < .0001) and higher adherence to iron therapy (93% vs 60%; P < .0001). DOHBIT is effective in lowering the prevalence of anemia in rural women and adolescent girls.