Development and evaluation of an intervention to promote in‐home ready‐to‐use food (RUF) consumption in a supplemental feeding program for undernourished and stunted children in western Uganda

Abstract

OverviewSupplemental feeding programs (SFP) have reported low frequency and overall intake of ready‐to‐use food (RUF) rations, which may affect growth outcomes. Efforts are needed to improve feeding frequency and intended RUF dosage.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted among caregivers (n=32), health center staff (n=8), and RUF producers (n=8) to identify the barriers to in‐home RUF consumption. Following analysis of the interviews, feeding messages to promote RUF consumption were developed and used in the 10 week program curricula. To evaluate the effect of these messages on RUF intake, dietary data were obtained using two 24‐hour recalls conducted within 10 days at caregiver homes or at health clinics. Group means (SE) of RUF feeds per day and frequency of RUF inclusion in total meals were compared between Pre‐Intervention (n=18) and Feeding Education (n=18) cohorts.ResultsThe Feeding Education group reported 1.9 (0.2) RUF feeds per day, compared with 1.3(0.2) in the control group (t=‐2.3, p<0.05). The frequency of RUF inclusion in meals was 0.57 (0.06) in the EC group and 0.39 (0.05) in the control (t=‐2.1, p<0.05).ConclusionMessages to promote RUF consumption can have positive effects on RUF dosage and feeding frequency, which may contribute to improved energy intake and growth outcomes among malnourished children in SFPs.Grant Funding SourceGlaxoSmithKline UNC‐Duke Student Research Grant; Carolina Center for Public Service Entrepreneurship in Public Service Fellowship