Physical and sociocultural facilitators and barriers to access and utilization of a nutrition program in rural Malawi: a qualitative study

Julie Ruel-Bergeron, Kristen Hurley, Nandita Kapadia-Kundu, Rachel Oemcke, Ephraim Chirwa, Mutinta Hambayi, Nancy Aburto, Parul Christian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Childhood stunting holds consequences for child development. A nutrition program delivering small-quantity lipid based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) to children 6-23 months and child feeding messages was implemented in Malawi to reduce stunting. This study sought to understand the facilitators and barriers to program participation using in-depth interviews, pile sorts, direct observations, and focus group discussions with caretakers, village leaders and program volunteers. Perceptions of the LNS were positive, and visible changes in child health contributed to program participation. Conflicting priorities that prevented monthly collection of SQ-LNS and limited knowledge of child feeding messages constituted barriers to program participation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)405-424
Number of pages20
JournalEcology of Food and Nutrition
Volume57
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 3 2018

Keywords

  • Malawi
  • barriers
  • facilitators
  • nutrition
  • qualitative

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Food Science
  • Ecology

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