Patterns and determinants of small-quantity LNS utilization in rural Malawi and Mozambique: considerations for interventions with specialized nutritious foods

Stephen R. Kodish, Nancy J. Aburto, Mutinta Nseluke Hambayi, Filippo Dibari, Joel Gittelsohn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Small-quantity, lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) show promise to improve the quality of maternal and child diets, particularly during the first 1000 days of life. The potential of SQ-LNS to impact positively upon nutritional status relies on numerous factors, including complementary dietary intake, disease prevalence and dynamics of household utilization, including sharing practices. Therefore, this study sought to elucidate the patterns and determinants of SQ-LNS utilization among children 6–23 months and potential sharing practices of other household members prior to intervention development. In Ntchisi, Malawi and Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, both rural, agricultural settings, we conducted two home-feeding trials of 8 and 6 weeks, respectively, nested within a larger multi-phase, emergent formative research design. Multiple methods, including in-depth interviews (n = 38), direct meal observations (n = 80), full-day child observations (n = 38) and spot checks of SQ-LNS supply (n = 23), were conducted with households (n = 35 in Malawi; n = 24 in Mozambique). Overall, the SQ-LNS was utilized contrary to its recommended use, with 50% of households in Malawi reporting running out of stock too early and 87% of households in Mozambique either overusing or underusing the product. Utilization of SQ-LNS was manifested in four patterns of overuse and two of underuse and was determined by factors at multiple levels of influence. Maternal and child health efforts need to consider the reasons behind choices by households to overuse or underuse SQ-LNS and design intervention strategies to increase the likelihood of its appropriate utilization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere12234
JournalMaternal and Child Nutrition
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017

Keywords

  • formative research
  • infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices
  • intra-household sharing practices
  • qualitative research
  • small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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