Milk supplementation increases mid-upper arm circumference and haemoglobin level among pregnant women in Kupang, Indonesia: evidence from a regression discontinuity design

Ahmad Syafiq, . and Sandra Fikawati, . and Nindhita Priscillia Muharrani, . and Mardatillah, . (2022) Milk supplementation increases mid-upper arm circumference and haemoglobin level among pregnant women in Kupang, Indonesia: evidence from a regression discontinuity design. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Malaysia), 28 (2). pp. 191-202. ISSN 1394 – 035X

Introduction: The high prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) and anaemia among pregnant women in Indonesia is worrying. Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) is one of the provinces in Indonesia with the highest prevalence of CED. This study aimed to determine the effect of fortified milk supplementation on changes in mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and haemoglobin level among pregnant women. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in three locations of Community Health Centers in NTT from May to August 2019. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 69 pregnant women who were divided into two groups based on haemoglobin levels; the intervention group consisted of 31 pregnant women with haemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL, and control group consisted of 38 pregnant women with haemoglobin levels above 11 g/dL. Intervention group was provided with fortified milk supplementation, while control group received education about prevention of CED and anaemia. Data were analysed using regression discontinuity design with haemoglobin of 11 g/dL as cut-off. Results: Using regression discontinuity method, we were able to determine the effect of milk supplementation based on haemoglobin levels and confirm the result that milk supplementation significantly increased MUAC by 4.69 cm. Despite no discontinuity found, a positive increase of 0.98 g/dL in haemoglobin level was important to note. Conclusion: Milk supplementation of 300 kcal/day for three months significantly increased MUAC and to some extent, increased haemoglobin level. Thus, it should be considered when planning nutrition programmes to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.nutriweb.org.my/mjn/publication/28-2/V...

Abstract

Introduction: The high prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) and anaemia among pregnant women in Indonesia is worrying. Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) is one of the provinces in Indonesia with the highest prevalence of CED. This study aimed to determine the effect of fortified milk supplementation on changes in mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and haemoglobin level among pregnant women. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in three locations of Community Health Centers in NTT from May to August 2019. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 69 pregnant women who were divided into two groups based on haemoglobin levels; the intervention group consisted of 31 pregnant women with haemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL, and control group consisted of 38 pregnant women with haemoglobin levels above 11 g/dL. Intervention group was provided with fortified milk supplementation, while control group received education about prevention of CED and anaemia. Data were analysed using regression discontinuity design with haemoglobin of 11 g/dL as cut-off. Results: Using regression discontinuity method, we were able to determine the effect of milk supplementation based on haemoglobin levels and confirm the result that milk supplementation significantly increased MUAC by 4.69 cm. Despite no discontinuity found, a positive increase of 0.98 g/dL in haemoglobin level was important to note. Conclusion: Milk supplementation of 300 kcal/day for three months significantly increased MUAC and to some extent, increased haemoglobin level. Thus, it should be considered when planning nutrition programmes to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	milk
AGROVOC Term:	pregnancy
AGROVOC Term:	food supplementation
AGROVOC Term:	pregnant women
AGROVOC Term:	haemoglobin
AGROVOC Term:	arm circumference
AGROVOC Term:	anaemia
AGROVOC Term:	nutritional status
Geographical Term:	Indonesia
Uncontrolled Keywords:	haemoglobin level, milk supplementation, MUAC, pregnant women, regression discontinuity design
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	19 Mar 2026 02:16
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2026 02:16
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2829

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