Supporting Mothers to Improve Feeding and Care for Moderately Malnourished Children Aged 7 to 15 Months in Punjab, Pakistan

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to reduce child malnutrition in Pakistan by building on local community strengths and practical solutions. It focuses on children aged 7 to 23 months, prioritizing those 7 to 15 months old so they can be followed over 6 to 12 months. The project combines community sensitization with a behavior change program to promote healthy feeding, hygiene, and caregiving practices, addressing chronic malnutrition through sustainable family engagement rather than short-term aid. The intervention includes community sensitization events where families learn about healthy feeding through discussions and printed visuals. The main intervention is a 28-day behavior change program starting with two weeks of daily Hearth sessions, interactive group meetings teaching practical skills in a home-like setting, followed by two weeks of home visits where mothers practice new skills with staff support. Children who meet growth targets graduate to monthly check-ins, while others may repeat the cycle up to three times. Control group families continue usual care without the behavior program. Participants undergo health checks before starting, and mothers provide consent. Researchers collect surveys and measure childrens height and weight at baseline, during the program, and monthly follow-ups for six months. They assess child growth, feeding, hygiene, and caregiving behaviors using validated tools. Educational materials with visuals support learning for all literacy levels. The project aims to empower families to use local resources for lasting improvements in child nutrition and care.

Women Supporting Women to Improve Infant and Child Feeding Practices in Pakistan