An interventional study of Educational program in Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), Nutrition Disorders and Growth Retardation, sponsored by Hawler Medical University. Completed at 1 site in Iraq. Open to participants aged 1 Year to 5 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-30.
Sponsored by Hawler Medical University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a Nutritional Educational Program for caregivers can improve their knowledge and performance in managing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children, compared to oral iron therapy alone. The study focuses on children with IDA, particularly in [age range 1-5 years], and aims to determine if combining nutritional education with oral iron therapy has a greater impact on improving hemoglobin levels than iron therapy alone.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Participants will:
Receive oral iron supplements. Caregivers will participate in educational sessions on dietary strategies to manage IDA.
This clinical trial aims to explore the effectiveness of a Nutritional Educational Program for caregivers, in combination with oral iron therapy, on improving hemoglobin levels in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia in children, and oral iron supplementation is the standard treatment. However, dietary habits and caregiver knowledge also play a significant role in managing this condition. This study will evaluate whether equipping caregivers with nutritional education enhances the outcomes of oral iron therapy.
The study will involve two groups of children with confirmed iron deficiency anemia:
Intervention Group: Children receiving oral iron therapy combined with a structured Nutritional Educational Program for their caregivers. The educational program will cover:
Understanding iron deficiency anemia and its effects on child health. Identification of iron-rich foods and dietary strategies to enhance iron absorption (e.g., vitamin C-rich foods).
Avoidance of dietary inhibitors that reduce iron absorption (e.g., calcium-rich foods and tea during meals).
Guidance on meal preparation and frequency to optimize iron intake. Control Group: Children receiving only oral iron therapy without the nutritional education component.
The primary outcome will be the change in hemoglobin levels over a specified period. Secondary outcomes will include caregivers' knowledge and performance, measured through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, as well as adherence to the treatment regimen and dietary recommendations.
Participants will attend follow-up visits where hemoglobin levels will be monitored, and caregivers will be assessed for their understanding and application of the nutritional guidance provided. Data on the children's dietary intake will also be collected and analyzed.
This trial aims to determine if caregiver-focused nutritional education improves the management of IDA more effectively than iron therapy alone, potentially leading to better long-term health outcomes in children.
644 studies on the registry are indexed under Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; 105 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 180 is above the median of 100 across 503 interventional studies indexed under Anemia, Iron-Deficiency.
Browse Anemia, Iron-Deficiency studies →Hawler Medical University is the lead sponsor of 56 studies on the registry; 6 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants in this arm will receive a Nutritional Educational Program designed specifically for caregivers of children diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. This program includes a series of interactive sessions that focus on the following key components: Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Caregivers will learn about the causes, symptoms, and health implications of iron deficiency anemia in children. Nutritional Education: The program will provide comprehensive information on identifying and incorporating iron-rich foods into the child's diet, including meats, leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals. Enhancing Iron Absorption: Caregivers will be educated on dietary strategies to improve iron absorption, such as consuming vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron sources and avoiding inhibitors like calcium and certain beverages during meals. Meal Planning and Preparation: Practical guidance will be given on how to effectively plan and prepare meals that are rich in iron
Other: Educational program
Participants in this arm will receive oral iron therapy as the standard treatment for iron deficiency anemia. The intervention will include the following components: Prescription of Oral Iron Supplement: Participants will be prescribed a specific oral iron formulation, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous gluconate, according to established clinical guidelines tailored to the child's age and severity of anemia. Dosage and Administration: Caregivers will receive clear instructions regarding the appropriate dosage, which will be determined based on the child's weight and medical needs. Administration guidelines will include taking the iron supplement on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare provider. Monitoring of Adherence and Response: Caregivers will be instructed on the importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen, with scheduled follow-up visits to monitor hemoglobin levels and assess the child's overall health
Other: Educational program
Both above information Oral Iron Therapy + Nutritional Education
Other: Educational program
The Nutritional Education Program is a structured intervention designed to enhance caregivers' understanding of nutrition and improve dietary practices for children suffering from iron deficiency anemia. The program comprises three weeks person by person interview lasting 25 Mins each, focusing on essential topics such as the importance of iron in child development, identifying and preparing iron-rich foods, and practical meal planning strategies. Participants will engage in hands-on cooking demonstrations and receive educational materials, including recipe cards and meal planning tools, to support their learning. Knowledge assessments will be conducted at the beginning and end of the program to measure improvements in caregivers' nutritional knowledge.
Also known as: Nutritional Education Program
Change in Hemoglobin Levels
His outcome measure aims to assess the difference in hemoglobin levels in children diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia at the beginning of the study compared to their levels at the end of the intervention. The study will compare the effectiveness of oral iron therapy alone versus oral iron therapy combined with a Nutritional Educational Program provided to caregivers. Hemoglobin levels will be evaluated through blood tests, providing a quantitative assessment of the interventions' impact on anemia.
Time frame: 3 months (Measured at baseline and at the conclusion of the study).
Improvement in Caregivers' Knowledge of Iron-Rich Foods
This measure will evaluate the change in caregivers' knowledge regarding dietary management of iron deficiency anemia before and after the Nutritional Educational Program. The assessment will be conducted using a validated questionnaire that gauges understanding of iron-rich foods, dietary sources, and practices that enhance iron absorption.
Time frame: Before the educational intervention and 3 months post-intervention.
Plan to share: No
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is completed, as verified in Sep 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Hawler Medical University