A Quasi-experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Spirulina with Lemon Juice on Anemia among Under-five Children in Selected Schools at Madurai, Tamil Nadu

By:

Nalini Jeyavanth Santha and Jothi Lakshmi

Volume: 08 | Issue: 02 | Year 2022 | Open Access
International journal of Nursing Science Practice and Research
Received Date: 08/08/2021
Acceptance Date: 08/16/2021
Published On: 2022-07-31
First Page: 50
Last Page: 61

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Citation:
Nalini Jeyavanth Santha and Jothi Lakshmi A Quasi-experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Spirulina with Lemon Juice on Anemia among Under-five Children in Selected Schools at Madurai, Tamil Nadu International journal of Nursing Science Practice and Research. 2022; 08(02): 50-61p.
Abstract

Anemia among under-five children is an important concern for the health authorities in India. Untreated anemia in children can have a serious effect on their growth. Spirulina is blue-green algae. It contains protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals. It is aimed at a quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of spirulina with lemon juice on anemia among under-five children in selected schools at Madurai, Tamilnadu. Quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was used. 150 children were participated. All children were aged between 2–4 years. Pre-test was done. The researcher administered spirulina (1 gm) with lemon juice (50 ml) to the experimental group. Post-test I and II were conducted for both groups. Following apparatus was used for data collection such as Shali’s haemoglobinometer. Observation checklist used to identify signs, and symptoms of anemia. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the findings. In the experimental group, the signs and symptoms of anemia mean post-test I score was lesser (2.4) than mean pre-test score (4.56). The obtained (F value-18.8, p-value 0.000) and the mean post-test I haemoglobin value was higher (9.77) than mean pre-test score (8.99). The obtained (F value-715, p-value 0.000) were very highly significant. Based on haemoglobin (student’s t-test = 7.194, p-0.000**) and observation checklist on signs, and symptoms of anemia (student’s t-test = -4.690, p-0.019), it concluded that spirulina with lemon juice was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of anemia, and improved haemoglobin level among under-five children.

Ketwords: Anemia, hemoglobin, lemon, spirulina, and under-five children

INTRODUCTION

“Children are the world’s most valuable
resource and it is best hope for the future”

—John F. Kennedy

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. Haemoglobin is needed to carry oxygen and if you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or not enough haemoglobin, there will be a decreased capacity of the blood to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children. WHO estimates that 42% of children less than 5 years of age worldwide are anaemic (WHO) [1]. Ashraf M. Sharoba. (Dec 2014) reported that Spirulina which is one of the blue-green algae rich in protein 62.84% and contains a high proportion of essential amino acids (38.46% of the protein) and a source of naturally rich in vitamins especially vitamin B complex such as vitamin B12 (175 μg / 10 g) and folic acid (9.92 mg / 100 g), which helps the growth and nutrition of the child brain, also rich in calcium and iron it containing (922.28 and 273.2 mg / 100 g, respectively) [2] Jennifer Adler. (2013, Feb 15) Spirulina grows mainly in subtropical and tropical countries, where there is year-round heat and sunlight. It is high in protein (up to 70%), rich in antioxidants and loaded with vitamins and minerals, particularly iron and vitamin B-12. And it has no cellulose-the cell wall of green plants-so its nutrients are easy for the body to digest and absorb [3]. Lemons are a good source of vitamin C. One lemon provides about 31 mg of vitamin C, which is 51% of the reference daily intake (RDI) [4].

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of spirulina with lemon juice on anemia among under-five children in selected schools at Madurai, Tamil Nadu

OBJECTIVES

  1. To assess the pre-test level of anemia among under-five children.
  2. To evaluate the effectiveness of spirulina with lemon juice on anemia among under-five children.
  3. To associate the pretest level of anemia among under-five children with selected demographic variables (Age, sex, number of siblings, family type, parent’s monthly income, religion, dietary pattern, educational status of parent, occupation of parent).

HYPOTHESES

  1. The mean post-test level of anemia score among under-five children who had spirulina with lemon juice will be significantly lower than their mean pre-test level of anemia score.
  2. The mean post-test level of anemia score among an experimental group of under-five children will be significantly lower than the mean post-test level of anemia score in the control group.
  3. There will be the significant association between anemia among under-five children with selected demographic variables (Age, sex, family type, parent’s monthly income, and educational status of parent, the occupation of a parent, religion and dietary pattern).

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION
Effectiveness
It refers to an intended result formed by an action. In this study, it refers to the outcome of administering spirulina with lemon juice on anemia among under-five children which was measured through estimation of haemoglobin by Sahli’s emoglobinometer method and monitoring the signs and symptoms of anemia by using checklist. It is the dissimilarity in the mean post-test level of anemia score between the experimental group and the control group. Spirulina Spirulina or Arthrospira is blue-green algae. Spirulina is a minute and filamentous cyanobacterium that derives its family name from the twisting or helical nature of its filaments. In this study, it assign to the industry name spirulot. Two capsules 500 mg of spirulot (It contains 1 gm of spirulina with vitamins, raw materials and anti-oxidants) were administered daily to the experimental group. (1.8 mg
of iron present in one gram of spirulina).
Lemon Juice
It means lemon extract with sugar and water. Lemon is the traditional resource of Vitamin C and is a citrus fruit. In this examination, lemon juice means 2 ml lemon extract plus 1 teaspoon of sugar (16kcal) and added with 48 ml of water. 2.6 mg vitamin c in the 2 ml lemon extract.

Anemia The WHO defines anemia as follows. It results from a fewer numeral of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) or a haemoglobin concentration lower established cut-off points in the blood. These values differs hinge on the age of child. Haemoglobin <11 gm/dl in children age is between 6 months to 5 years. In this investigation, haemoglobin measured by Sahli’s haemoglobinometer and also to find out the clinical manifestations of anemia such as fatigue, lack of concentration, anorexia, shortness of breath, habit of pica eating, palpitation, getting irritated often, pale conjunctiva, pallor of tongue, pallor of nails and pallor of palms. Under-five Children Under-five children is the age group between one month to 4 years or children younger than 5 years old. In this study under-five children is the age group between 2–4 years. METHODOLOGY Research Approach  Quantitative research approach. The present study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of spirulina with lemon juice among under-five children affected by anemia: o Phase 1: Survey approach was used for this study. o Phase 2: In this study quasi-experimental approach was used to find out the effectiveness of spirulina with lemon juice intake among under-five children who are affected by anemia. Research Design  Quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test, control group design was used.  The intervention was carried to the experimental group only, after treatment both the groups’ undergone post-test. Table 1. Experimental and control group’s pre-test, post-test and intervention symbol’s. Groups Measurement of dependent variable (Pre-test) Ist week Measurement of independent variable (manipulation) (8 weeks) Measurement of dependent variable post-test-1 (6th week) Measurement of dependent variable post-test-2 (10th week) Experimental group A1 XY A2 A3 Control group A1 – A2 A3 In Table 1 keys indicates that: XY Intervention strategy was spirulina with lemon juice, it was given for 8 weeks. A Anemia A1 Pre-test assessment on anemia was assessed by measuring haemoglobin level of the selected group and observing signs and symptoms of anemia at Ist week in an experimental group and control group. A2 1st post-test assessment on anemia was assessed by measuring haemoglobin level of the selected group and observing signs and symptoms of anemia at 6th week in experimental group and control group. A3 2nd post-test assessment on anemia was assessed by measuring haemoglobin level of the selected group and observing clinical manifestations of anemia at 10th week in experimental group and control group. Variables  Independent variable: In the current study, the independent variables refer to intervention strategy which includes administration of spirulina with lemon juice to the selected group.  Dependent variables: Anemia Setting of the Study The study was conducted among children less than five years with anemia selected from nursery and primary schools at Madurai:  Population: The study population for this research was children under-five years.  Target population: In this current study, the target population was children under-five years having anemia.  Accessible population: In this study, the available population was children under-five years having anemia, in selected matric schools at Madurai. Sample In this study samples are children under-five years with anemia studying in selected primary schools that satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sample Size Sample size calculation based on prevalence. The sample includes 150 children in the age group of 2–4 years. Within these 75 children were in the experimental group and remaining 75 subjects were in the control group. Sampling Techniques Convenience sampling techniques was used. Criteria for Sample Selection Inclusion Criteria 1. Both sexes were included 2. Hb 5–11 gms/dl 3. Children under-five years who were willing to participate. Exclusion Criteria 1. 0–24 months of children. 2. Children under-five years with other disease condition. 3. Children with allergies to seafood 4. Children with severe anemia Hb < 5 gms / dl Description of Tool In this study, the tool consists of 2 parts. Part-1 This part consists of demographic variables of children such as age, sex, the living status of parents, number of siblings, birth order, and type of family, monthly profits of the family, educational condition of parents, and the employment of parents, religion and nutritional pattern. Part-2 Section A: self-reported practice interview schedule: It includes washing hands with soap and water after each defecation, washing hands before taking foods, iron and folic acid intake. Having the habit of using slipper, cutting nails weekly, taking medication for worm infestation once in six months and habit of taking tea or coffee with the meals, consuming green leafy vegetables once in a week. Scoring procedure: The tool consists of 8 statements related to self-reported practice interview schedule. There were 3 options (always, sometimes and never), that is “Always” carries score “2”, “Sometimes” carries score “1”, “Never” carries score “0”. Section B: biochemical assessment: haemoglobin: haemoglobin was checked by using sahli’s haemoglobinometer.

Interpretation of haemoglobin value: (WHO) >11 gm/dl : No anemia. 11–10 gm/ dl : Mild anemia 7–9.9 gm/ dl : Moderate anemia <7 gm/dl : Severe anemia Section C: Clinical Evaluation Observation checklist on signs and symptoms of anemia: It consists of 11 items such as fatigue, lack of concentration, anorexia, shortness of breath while doing physical activities, the habit of pica eating, palpitation while doing activities, getting irritated often, pale conjunctiva, pallor of the tongue, pallor of nails and pallor of palm. Scoring process: The scores were set as per the occurrence of the manifestations. Score “1” was given for presence of symptoms and score “2” was given for presence of signs such as pale conjunctiva, pallor of the tongue, pallor of nails and pallor of palm, Score “0” was given in case of absence of particular signs and symptoms. Overall score given to the item was 15. Interpretation:  1–5 : Mild anemia  6–10 : Moderate anemia  11–15 : Severe anemia Content Validity of the Tool The observation checklist was developed by the investigator based on the review of the literature. The tool was given to 11 experts in the field of pediatric medicine, nursing, and nutrition for their opinion and suggestion. Based on their valuable suggestion, reframing of tools was done and validity was established. Reliability The reliability of the tool was established after collecting data from 15 children under-five years. Reliability of the tool was established by using an inter-rater method which is used to assess the internal consistency of the tool. Cronbach’s alpha used to assess the internal consistency. Observation checklist on signs and symptoms of anemia r = 0.74. Consistency of the Sahli’s hemoglobinometer r = 0.98. Sahli’s haemoglobinometer was calibrated and certified by quality system standards. Pilot Study The pilot study result was the significant dissimilarity between the mean post-test score of an experimental and the control group. Subjects of the pilot study did not comprise in the major study. Result further suggested that spirulina with lemon juice administration is feasible, practical and costeffective. No issues or problems raised in implementing the intervention. Data Collection Procedure The researcher has obtained formal consent from the school organization where the research was conducted and the headmaster. Followed by that, the intervention was explained to the samples and their parents. Written consent was got from their parents and school establishment. Researcher built good relationship with every subject. Also, privacy of their responses was guaranteed to the subjects. Step I Inward number 28, 8 schools were homogeneous in settings, fees structure, socioeconomic background of parents and quality of education. Out of these four schools were selected by convenient sampling technique. Out of these 2 schools were randomly assigned to an experimental group (setting I and II) and 2 schools were assigned to control group (setting III and IV). In the survey, 220 children
under-five years participated from setting I and II and 228 under-five children were from setting III and IV at Madurai. The survey period was 24 days. Children’s nutritional status was assessed by haemoglobin value. Haemoglobin was checked by Sahli’s haemoglobinometer. Each day 18–20 students participated.
Among them, there were 171 (84 from experimental and 87 from the control group) children with anemia, their haemoglobin level below 11 gm/dl.
Step II
The pre-test was conducted by the researcher to the control group and experimental group through collecting the demographic data self-reported practice, measuring haemoglobin value and through observing the clinical manifestations of anemia among children under-five years. The selected samples were 171 from experimental group and control group de-wormed with the suspension Ivermectin-A 5 ml. which contains Albendazole 200 mg and ivermectin 1.5 mg.
Step III
The intervention was applied to the experimental group. The researcher prepared lemon juice. 50 gm lemon gives 18–20 ml of lemon extract, so researcher squeezed 175–200 gm of lemon and got 72 ml of lemon extract, added 1728 ml of water and 150 gm of sugar for 36 samples. Same procedure followed for remaining 39 samples. Cap. S pirulot 500 mg 2 (It contains spirulina 1 g with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) with 50 ml of lemon juice (2 ml lemon extract plus 48 ml of water and add one teaspoon of sugar (4.2 g)) was given to the experimental group every day at 11.30 am- 12.30 pm except Sunday and government holidays. The control group was maintained by regular dietary practices.
Step IV
The experimental group was maintained by regular dietary practices and continuous administration of spirulina (1 gm) with lemon juice (50 ml) for 8 weeks. Post-test I (6th week) and post-test II (10th week) were done. The researcher monitored the signs and symptoms of anemia by observational checklist. Haemoglobin was checked by Sahli’s haemoglobinometer.
Step V
The control group was followed by usual nutritional practices. There was no interference for the control group. Post-test I (6th week) and post-test II (10th week) were done. The researcher monitored the signs and symptoms of anemia by observation checklist. Haemoglobin was checked by Sahli’s haemoglobinometer. No problem was encountered during the data collection period.
RESULTS AND INTERPRETATIONS
It deals with the analysis and interpretation of collected data related to evaluating the effectiveness of spirulina with lemon juice on anemia among under-five children at Madurai, Tamilnadu. The data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics on the basis of objectives and hypothesis formulated for the purpose of this study. Table 2 shows the distribution of samples based on observation checklist on signs and symptoms of anemia before intervention by group wise. In experimental group, the pre-test reveals that out of 75 under-five children, 36 (48%) had fatigue, 29 (38.66%) had anorexia, 29 (38.66%) had lack of concentration, 24 (32%) had shortness of breath, 30 (40%) had habit of pica eating, 24 (32%) had palpitation, 32 (42.66%) were getting irritated often, 16 (21.3%)had pallor of conjunctiva, 15 (20%) had pallor of tongue, 19 (25.33%) had pallor of nails, 18 (24%) had pallor of palms and soles.

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Citation:

Nalini Jeyavanth Santha and Jothi Lakshmi A Quasi-experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Spirulina with Lemon Juice on Anemia among Under-five Children in Selected Schools at Madurai, Tamil Nadu International journal of Nursing Science Practice and Research. 2022; 08(02): 50-61p.

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