G267(P) Problems of dual vulnerability in nutrition; a qualitative study of older persons caring for under five year olds in post-disaster haiti

Abstract

Situation Malnutrition plays a significant role in under-5 mortality rates following disasters. As such there is a need for an effective humanitarian response; in keeping with the social and cultural context. Older people play an important role in childcare in non-western societies, which often increases in displacement contexts. Until now policy in general, and nutrition programmes in particular, have focused on the mother-child dyad neglecting children not cared for principally by their mother. Aim To gather information on possible barriers to older carers accessing nutritional services/support for the children they care for and explore ways to overcome these obstacles. Method A qualitative approach was taken which aimed to explore the experiences of the carers themselves. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews provided data which was analysed using grounded theory approach. Results Data collected showed that older carers have similar needs to other caregivers in emergency settings; needs which are often amplified by age. Moreover, many barriers to accessing services were elicited, including issues with targeting and advertising of nutritional programs, alongside physical and psychosocial barriers to assessing existing support. Participants generated potential solutions to each identified barrier as well as highlighting a vital need to address overall attitudes to older carers within INGOs and other service providers. Conclusion As older people in Haiti were often the sole carers of under-5s, there is a need to recognise their importance in this role and support them within it, allowing them assess to the nutritional services the children in their care so vitally need. More generally, in any emergency setting, organisations need take into account all stakeholders in child nutrition when planning and implementing programmes.