Actively Recruiting
Women Supporting Women Using Local Solutions to Improve Infant and Young Child Feeding and Care Practices in Punjab, Pakistan
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2026-01-20
200
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of British Columbia
Lead Sponsor
C
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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 children's 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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Women Supporting Women to Improve Infant and Child Feeding Practices in Pakistan
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Child aged 7 to 15 months at recruitment, with priority to those 7-11 months old
- Moderate malnutrition defined by weight-for-age Z-score between -2 and -3 SD
- Household classified as very poor or poor by community standards
- Household has access to clean water and sanitation
- Household is food secure via government assistance or employment
- Household owns or willing to care for livestock or establish a kitchen garden
- Mother is primary caregiver, alive, at least 18 years old, and currently breastfeeding
- Mother willing to continue breastfeeding until child is 2 years old
- Mother interested and agrees to participate in the behavior change program
- Mother agrees to attend up to three Hearth sessions and contribute small food or essential items
- Mother consents to follow-up visits and a full medical check-up for the child
- Informed consent provided by mother via thumbprint or signature
You will not qualify if you...
- Children who are severely malnourished, mildly underweight, or normal weight
- Children with physical disabilities affecting vision, hearing, or hand use
- Children with chronic illnesses affecting growth, including malabsorption, kidney disease, bowel disease, heart disease, endocrine disorders, respiratory diseases, immunodeficiency, or neurological disorders
- Households that do not meet the inclusion criteria
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) at a local health facility for health check including anemia screening and immunization verification
Duration - 1 to 2 weeks
Participants and their communities attend sensitization events to raise awareness about infant and child feeding practices and the study's goals.
Several community sessions in a town-hall format with small group activities
Duration - 28 days per cycle, up to 3 cycles depending on child growth progress
Participants join a 28-day program with two parts: two weeks of group Hearth sessions focused on improving feeding, hygiene, and caregiving practices, followed by two weeks of home visits to support practicing these behaviours.
Six Hearth sessions (2.5 hours each) over two weeks, plus home visits three times per week for two weeks
Duration - Up to 6 months
After successful completion of the behaviour change program, participants receive monthly home visits to monitor child growth and reinforce practices for up to six months.
Monthly home visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
RYK
Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rosemin Kassam, Ph.D
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here