Effective delivery of social‐behavioral change communication through a care group model in a supplementary feeding program: a descriptive analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveA USAID/FFP‐Funded study implemented by Tufts University (Food Aid Quality Review) in Southern Malawi found that intensified social‐behavioral change communication (SBCC) in combination with an augmented oil ration resulted in an increase in proper preparation of Corn‐Soy Blend (CSB) porridge such that the full intended nutritional content reached the target population of children with moderate acute malnutrition. This analysis describes the flow of key SBCC messages delivered through a care‐group model during an intervention aimed at increasing the oil in porridge prepared by caregivers of beneficiary children, as well as the flow of these key messages among sub‐groups in this intervention – health care workers, care group volunteers, and caregivers of beneficiary children.MethodsThe intervention provided a supplementary food ration of CSB and oil and used a care group model in which healthcare workers were trained to deliver SBCC to care group volunteers who then delivered messages to caregivers of beneficiary children. Healthcare workers also delivered messages to caregivers directly. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with all 3 sub‐groups in order to determine the exchange of key messages about ingredient use, storage, and purpose, which were analyzed descriptively. The analysis tracked the flow of information between the groups, and ultimately to the beneficiary caregiver.ResultsAnalysis of SBCC flow and information exchange showed that 100% of caregivers reported learning about the amounts of oil and CSB to use while preparing porridge, and over 90% of caregivers, healthcare workers, and care group volunteers reported talking about it. Information flowed to caregivers along multiple lines of communication, and the reported exchange of this information was high among all groups. Focus groups confirmed an effective flow of communication amongst these 3 sub‐groups.ConclusionKey SBCC messages were provided and received according to healthcare workers, care group volunteers and caregivers; caregivers received information from multiple sources, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the intervention. While increasing the ration likely contributed to increasing the oil content in prepared CSB porridge, this analysis found that the SBCC was also an important component of the intervention.Support or Funding InformationThis research was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Tufts University under the terms of Contract AFP‐C‐00‐09‐00016‐00 and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.