How the Women and the Community Responded to an Antenatal Balanced Plate Nutrition Education Intervention? A Qualitative Process Assessment in Rural Bangladesh (P04-002-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesAcceptability to the beneficiaries is crucial for effectiveness of a community-based nutrition intervention. We conducted a process evaluation to explore the response of the women and the community to an antenatal balanced plate nutrition education intervention in rural Bangladesh. MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) to collect data from recently delivered women, their husbands, and older women ((mothers and mothers-in-law of the women) who received the intervention. Key informant interviews (KII) were conducted with BRAC Shasthya Kormis (community health workers) who provided balanced plate demonstration. ResultsWe found that the balanced plate nutrition education helped women through practical demonstration to learn about a balanced meal considering appropriate portion sizes and diversity of foods. The family decision makers, such as husbands and mothers-in-law, considered adopting a healthier diet as a tactic to protect the newborn and the mother from health complications that might safeguard a healthier baby. We also found that rural Bangladeshi pregnant women needed the active involvement of CHWs in mobilizing social support to create an enabling environment essential to bring change in dietary habits with self-motivation. ConclusionsA community-based balanced plate nutrition education aiming to increase birth weight was widely accepted by the beneficiaries. Practical demonstration of balanced plate with appropriate portion sizes involving the community health workers and family members enhanced the acceptance. Funding SourcesFaculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia.