Feasibility of distributing micronutrient Sprinkles along with take‐home food aid rations in rural Haiti.

Abstract

Through a trial embedded within a maternal child health and nutrition program in Haiti, we determined that Sprinkles were effective in reducing anemia in children < 24 mo (see Menon et al.) We also sought to assess: 1) whether it is feasible to distribute Sprinkles along with the monthly take-home food rations provided by the program; 2) whether mothers could learn how to use Sprinkles appropriately after just one training session provided at the Mothers’ Clubs (MC) – the program’s venue for behavior change and communication. We examined acceptability of the Sprinkles intervention by mothers and staff using observations at food (and Sprinkles) distribution points, exit interviews with mothers, and focus group discussions (FGD) with mothers and staff. We found that Sprinkles were packaged and distributed as planned. Interviews confirmed that mothers understood how to use the Sprinkles and nearly universally reported following recommended practices. FGDs with mothers revealed good acceptability and appreciation of the Sprinkles; FGDs with staff suggested that inclusion of Sprinkles in the on-going program entailed a modest, but acceptable increase in workload. Within this well-established MCHN program, it proved feasible to distribute Sprinkles and to ensure their appropriate use. The Mothers’ Clubs and food distribution points proved to be excellent venues for educating mothers and distributing the Sprinkles, respectively. [Support: Micronutrient Initiative, World Vision-Haiti, USAID through FANTA/AED, Govt. of Germany].