Evaluation of the "Higgins Method"©

Since its development by dietitian Agnes C. Higgins, the MDD nutrition counselling approach has been monitored through many studies each supported by a committee of scientific experts. These studies have been the topic of many publications.

Study results are conclusive: The "Higgins Method"© demonstrates that it:

  • reduces at least by half the incidence of low birth-weight and acts favourably on many other pregnancy outcomes (less premature births, less intrauterine growth retardation, etc.);
  • is applicable to other environments than the MDD;
  • has great cost-benefit advantages: each dollar invested saves at least eight dollars in subsequent health-care.

Initial Evaluation - Needy Pregnant Women
Evaluation with Particularly at Risk Groups
Extra-muros Evaluation

Initial Evaluation - Needy Pregnant Women

Innovative, the nutrition counselling method developed by dietitian Agnes C. Higgins was in contradiction with then current beliefs. From 1963 to 1981, in collaboration with the Royal Victoria Hospital, an important study was conducted to verify the "Higgins Method"© efficacy in reducing the rate of low birth weight among economically disadvantaged pregnant women. Many publications were issued during this intensive period promoting the importance of prenatal nutrition.

  • Agnes Higgins. Means and results of communication in a survey with pregnant women. Can Nut Notes 1967:23(3);25-8.
  • Higgins AC. Nutritional status and the outcome of pregnancy. J Can Diet Assoc 1976:37(1):17-34. Click here for the abstract.
  • Pencharz PB. Editorial - Maternal nutrition and outcome of pregnancy. Can Med Assoc J 1981:125(6);529-31.
  • Rush D. Nutritional services during pregnancy and birthweight: a restropective matched pair analysis. Can Med Assoc J 1981:125(6);567-76. Click here for the abstract.
  • Higgins AC, Pencharz PB, Strawbridge JE, Maughan GB, Moxley JE. Maternal haemoglobin changes and their relationship to infant birthweight in mothers receiving a program of nutritional assessment and rehabilitation. Nutr Res 1982:2(6);641-9. Click here for the abstract. .
  • Jacobson HN. Prevention of prematurity. The role of diet in health care. Perinatology-Neonatology 1983:(April); 17-23.
  • Higgins AC, Moxley JE, Percharz PB, Mikolainis D, Dubois S. Impact of the Higgins Nutrition Intervention Program on birth weight: A within-mother analysis. J Am Diet Assoc 1989;89:1097-103. Click here for the abstract..

Evaluation with Particularly at Risk Groups

Two studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of the "Higgins Method"© when used with particularly at risk clienteles: women who are expecting twins and pregnant adolescents. The two following publications report on these studies:

The MDD approach with pregnant adolescents is described under the title "Montreal Diet Dispensary Approach to Counselling Pregnant Young Women" in "Nutrition and the Pregnant Adolescent - A Practical Reference Guide". Order this publication from the Center for Leadership, Education, and Training in Maternal and Child Nutrition, 1300 S. 2nd St., Suite 300, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454. Email: sang@epi.umn.edu

Extra-muros Evaluation

The applicability of the "Higgins Method"© in other sites than the MDD, its efficacy and its profitability have also been verified in a pilot project subsidized by the Quebec government and conducted with the Matane and Saint-Henri CLSCs. Click here for the study summary (in French). The full report is available at the MDD under the title "Programme d'aide aux femmes enceintes de milieux défavorisés - Projet pilote en CLSC".

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