Growth monitoring and nutrition education : impact evaluation of an effective applied nutrition program in the Dominican Republic, CRS/CARITAS, 1983-1986

The evaluation used pre-post comparisons of participants' knowledge, practices, and children's nutritional status, and made comparisons of the same variables using matched participant and nonparticipant communities. Data indicated significant behavioral changes, and differences in key health and nutritional practices. Overall prevalence of moderate-to-severe malnutrition was reduced by more than one half after 2-3 years of program participation. There were consistent improvements in nutritional status in program children over time and as compared to nonprogram populations. ANEP's success was attributed to its careful selection of communities and selection and training of personnel, to its strong supervisory system and operationally defined activities, and to its effective communication strategies and in-built system for monitoring and evaluation. (Author abstract, modified)