Practices In Bangladesh Research Articles

Intimate partner violence is associated with poorer maternal mental health and breastfeeding practices in Bangladesh.

Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) can have profound adverse consequences on maternal and child health. This study aimed to: (1) identify factors associated with IPV during pregnancy and postpartum in Bangladesh; and (2) assess the associations between IPV and maternal mental health and breastfeeding practices. We used data from a cross-sectional survey of 2000 mothers with children <6 months in four districts in Bangladesh. We applied multivariable logistic regression models to examine factors associated with IPV and structural equation modelling to assess the inter-relationships between IPV, maternal common mental disorders (CMD, measured by Self-reporting Questionnaire ≥7) and breastfeeding practices. Overall, 49.7% of mothers experienced violence during the last 12 months and 28% of mothers had high levels of CMD. Only 54% of women reported early initiation of breastfeeding and 64% reported exclusive breastfeeding. Women were more likely to experience IPV if living in food-insecure households, being of low socio-economic status, having low autonomy or experiencing inequality in education compared with husbands (OR ranged from 1.6 to 2.8). Women exposed to IPV were 2–2.3 times more likely to suffer from high levels of CMD and 28–34% less likely to breastfeed their babies exclusively. The indirect path (the indirect effects of IPV on breastfeeding through CMD) through maternal CMD accounted for 14% of the relationship between IPV on breastfeeding practice. In conclusion, IPV is pervasive in Bangladesh and is linked to increased risks of CMD and poor breastfeeding practices. Integrating effective interventions to mitigate IPV, along with routine maternal and child health services and involving men in counselling services, could help both to reduce exposure to IPV among women and to contribute to better health outcomes for women and children.

Arsenic dynamics in paddy soil under traditional manuring practices in Bangladesh.

Fertilization with organic matter (farm yard manure and/or rice straw) is thought to enhance arsenic (As) mobilization into soil porewaters, with subsequent As assimilation by rice roots leading to enhanced translocation to the grain. Here, interlinked experiments (field manuring and soil batch culture) were conducted to find the effect of organic matter at a field application rate practiced in Bangladesh (5t/ha) on As mobilization in soil for paddies impacted by As contaminated groundwater irrigation, a widespread phenomenon in Bangladesh where the experiments were conducted. Total As concentration in a paddy soil (Sonargaon) ranged from 21.9 to 8.1mg/kg down the soil profile and strongly correlated with TOC content. Arsenic, Fe, Mn, and DOC release into soil solution, and As speciation, are intimately linked to OM amendment, soil depth and temporal variation. Organic matter amendments lead to increased mobilization of As into both soil porewaters and standing surface waters. The As speciation in the porewater was dominated by inorganic As (Asi) (arsenite and arsenate), with traces amounts of methylated species (DMAV and MMAV) only being found with OM amendment. It was noted in field trials that OM fertilization greatly enhanced As mobility to surface waters, which may have major implications for the fate of As in paddy agronomic ecosystems.

Unintended consequences of programmatic changes to infant and young child feeding practices in Bangladesh.

BRAC, an international development organization, implemented a home‐fortification programme from 2014 to 2018 in Bangladesh. This study aimed to understand the unintended consequences of programmatic changes that occurred during the implementation of the programme on the prevalence of good infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and other associated factors. We used pooled data from eight cross‐sectional surveys and data from a series of qualitative investigations carried out as part of a mixed‐methods evaluation approach. A total of 6,479 caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months participated in the surveys. The prevalence of good IYCF practices increased from baseline (42.1%) to midline (45.3%), but it decreased at the endline survey (31.9%). Qualitative investigations identified several reasons for low IYCF practices at the programme level, such as the withdrawal of community health worker (CHW) incentives for promoting IYCF, providing incentives for the home‐fortification of micronutrient powder (MNP) and changing the focus from IYCF promotion to MNP promotion. A multivariable generalized estimating equation model for pooled data revealed that caregivers were 28% (adjusted risk ratio [ARR]: 0.72, 95% CI [0.67, 0.78]) less likely to maintain good IYCF practices during the period when CHWs were not incentivized to promote IYCF compared to the period when CHWs were incentivized to promote it. The prevalence of good IYCF practices decreased from both baseline and midline to the endline survey due to the unintended consequences of the programmatic changes. An integrated intervention strategy to promote the home‐fortification of MNP and IYCF could be helpful to avoid unintended negative consequences of programmatic changes.

The Environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis for deforestation in Bangladesh: An ARDL analysis with multiple structural breaks

This paper makes a novel attempt to test the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in the context of Bangladesh using deforestation propensities as indicators of environmental adversities and controlling for energy consumption, agricultural land coverage and population growth rate. Using annual frequency data from 1972 to 2018, the short- and long-run elasticity estimates from the autoregressive distributed lag-error correction modeling approach provide statistical support to the nonlinear inverted-U-shaped association between economic growth and deforestation practices in Bangladesh. Thus, the results validate the deforestation-induced environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in the context of Bangladesh. The elasticity estimates also reveal that energy consumption promotes deforestation activities in the long run but not in the short run. Besides, higher population growth rate and agricultural land expansion are found to account for greater deforestation propensities both in the short and long runs. Furthermore, the vector error correction model and the Hacker and Hatemi-J Granger causality exercises reveal the causal impacts of economic growth on deforestation propensities, both in the short and the long runs. Therefore, the overall results, in a nutshell, indicate a trade-off between economic and environmental welfares during the initial phases of economic growth in Bangladesh which can be anticipated to fade away in the long run. The overall results impose critically important policy implications regarding effective means to reduce deforestation practices in Bangladesh.

Climate change and dengue fever knowledge, attitudes and practices in Bangladesh: a social media-based cross-sectional survey.

Bangladesh experienced its worst dengue fever (DF) outbreak in 2019. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among university students in Bangladesh and significant factors associated with their prevention practices related to climate change and DF. A social media-based (Facebook) cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted and secondary data of reported DF cases in 2019 extracted. Logistic regression and spatial analysis were run to examine the data. Of 1500 respondents, 76% believed that climate change can affect DF transmission. However, participants reported good climate change knowledge (76.7%), attitudes (87.9%) and practices (39.1%). The corresponding figures for DF were knowledge (47.9%), attitudes (80.3%) and practices (25.9%). Good knowledge and attitudes were significantly associated with good climate change adaptation or mitigation practices (p<0.05). Good knowledge, attitudes and previous DF experiences were also found to be significantly associated with good DF prevention practices (p<0.001). There was no significant positive correlation between climate change and DF KAP scores and the number of DF cases. Findings from this study provide baseline data that can be used to promote educational campaigns and intervention programs focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation and effective DF prevention strategies among various communities in Bangladesh and similar dengue-endemic countries.

Human Resource Management Practices from Islamic Perspective: A Study on Bangladesh Context

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to review and discuss the role of Islamic Human Resources Management (IHRM) practices and the principles of the IHRM system and its necessity in the context of the emerging Islamic banking sector, namely Bangladesh. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper highlighted and discussed the importance of Islamic human resource management practices in Bangladesh in addition to a brief discussion on all HRM practices. Nonetheless, this study is based on secondary documents and data obtained from a variety of articles, books, newspapers, journals, and websites. Findings: It is found in this research that there may be nine IHRM system principles that can positively influence four major IHRM systems, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance evaluation, and pay and compensation. If all four activities are carried out in accordance with Islamic principles, so the long-term organization can be maintained, and the growth of human capital will be assured. Originality/value: Explore the key IHRM values of the Al Quran and the rising need for the IHRM system in Bangladesh. Thus, the findings of the study may help to formulate the policies and implement the IHRM program in the Islamic banks.

Climate Change Impact on Agriculture and Related Sustainable Land Management Practices in Bangladesh – A Review

Sustainable land management (SLM) is an effective climate adaptation technique in the present world. Bangladesh is listed in long-term Climate Risk Index 2019 due to its unicorn geographic features (e.g. low-lying riparian lands, big rivers, dense population and coastal settings). The livelihoods of Bangladesh are directly or indirectly linked to agricultural practices and or agribusiness. Many studies revealed that climate change-induced natural calamities (e.g. rainfall and temperature variability, sea level rise, flood, cyclone, drought, groundwater depletion, salt intrusion) unfavorably effect on agricultural production and livelihood activities and these are making critical food insecurity situation. Thus, identification and implementation of SLM practices to maintain food security of the bursting population are a prerequisite in Bangladesh. In this study, we have compiled the prospective SLM practices based on land management objective, land user requirements, crop and land suitability by reviewing peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. The potential SLM identified includes land resource conservation, erosion control, tillage technology, soil fertility management, vegetation management, efficient groundwater use, salinity-drought adaptations, land zoning and site-specific climate-smart agriculture. Among these SLM practices, the cultivation of suitable crop based on land quality and resource availability requires knowledge of decision support components involving the stakeholders for meaningful implementation of SLM. We proposed conceptual decision support components (e.g. land user, land quality, crop suitability, site-specific management, capital and governance) that would be the basis for the development and implementation of SLM towards land users and or farmers. The motivation of farmers through efficient extension activity and agri-governance for optimized land management can lead to minimizing the climate-induced vulnerability in agriculture. We concluded that the identified SLM practices, if implemented by adequate decision supports, SLM will help to achieve agricultural production as required by the sustainable Millennium Development Goals in Bangladesh.

Multi-stakeholder participation for sustainable delta management: a challenge of the socio-technical transformation in the management practices in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT In Bangladesh, participation discourse has officially become part of the objectives of the government and international agencies for water management projects since the mid-1990s. At the same historical timeframe, originating from indigenous knowledges Tidal River Management (TRM) has been formalized as a less structural and more natural management intervention to prevent the severe water-logging in the South-west region in the Bangladesh delta. It theoretically constituted a form of participation in the delta management system involving local community groups with government and management authorities. However, multi-stakeholder participation is still very challenging in practices. Even community management approaches are not sustained in delta management practices in Bangladesh. In this research, a socio-technical transformation is defined through a participatory research in the south-west coastal area having both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of changes in the delta management system brought about by TRM practices. This article also analyses the current problems besetting organized community participation in existing management practices and suggests the ways of developing effective multi-stakeholder processes (MSPs) with respect to sustainable management goal in deltas.

Antimicrobial resistance situation in animal health of Bangladesh.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a crucial multifactorial and complex global problem and Bangladesh poses a regional and global threat with a high degree of antibiotic resistance. Although the routine application of antimicrobials in the livestock industry has largely contributed to the health and productivity, it correspondingly plays a significant role in the evolution of different pathogenic bacterial strains having multidrug resistance (MDR) properties. Bangladesh is implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) for containing AMR in human, animal, and environment sectors through “One Health” approach where the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) is the mandated body to implement NAP strategies in the animal health sector of the country. This review presents a “snapshot” of the predisposing factors, and current situations of AMR along with the weakness and strength of DLS to contain the problem in animal farming practices in Bangladesh. In the present review, resistance monitoring data and risk assessment identified several direct and/or indirect predisposing factors to be potentially associated with AMR development in the animal health sector of Bangladesh. The predisposing factors are inadequate veterinary healthcare, monitoring and regulatory services, intervention of excessive informal animal health service providers, and farmers’ knowledge gap on drugs, and AMR which have resulted in the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, ultimate in the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes in all types of animal farming settings of Bangladesh. MDR bacteria with extreme resistance against antibiotics recommended to use in both animals and humans have been reported and been being a potential public health hazard in Bangladesh. Execution of extensive AMR surveillance in veterinary practices and awareness-building programs for stakeholders along with the strengthening of the capacity of DLS are recommended for effective containment of AMR emergence and dissemination in the animal health sector of Bangladesh.

THE LEGAL ASPECT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PRACTICE IN BANGLADESH

The role of labour and industrial laws is of paramount importance when the economy of a country depends largely on its industrial sector. In addition, the necessary infrastructure for investments in natural resources is also important. It is clear that if these essential elements are not available then the growth of the industrial sector is hardly feasible. Besides all these, the proper management of labour is essential for the growth of the industrial sector including managing labour issues. Thus timely disposal of labour disputes is also important. However, in most cases labour law disputes are not solved within a short period of time causing remedies which are essential for these disputes to be delayed. Labour laws are important from the Bangladesh perspective as it is crucial for the industrial development of the country. Labour is an important part of an industry and as such an industry without labour would be inconceivable. Although labour rights are crucial in Bangladesh, employees are ignorant about their rights as they do not have adequate education and knowledge about labour laws. This is a huge problem. This paper aims to narrow the gap between existing laws and the real scenario relating to industrial practices in Bangladesh.

Opportunities and Challenges of Eco-label Practices in Bangladesh for Promoting Environmentally Conscious Consumers

Environmental degradation is a significant issue all over the world. In order to mitigate the environmental concerning issues, there is a need to develop policies in multidiscipline. Eco-label is one of them. The purpose of this research paper is to demonstrate the opportunities and challenges of Eco-label practices in Bangladesh for promoting environmentally conscious consumers. In order to meet the research objective, the descriptive method, in the form of observation and interview was adopted. The study identified that eco-label practices has some challenges like unawareness of customer about eco-label, lack of unified standard criteria and principles, unclear or misrepresentation of eco-label declaration, no authorized body and absence of expert for design &amp; assessment of eco-label as well as it has create opportunities i.e. gain competitive advantage and products differentiation, create brand image and impression in national &amp; international markets. Finally, it’s possible to educate consumers &amp; build attitudes among them towards eco-friendly consumption.

Different Combinations of Behavior Change Interventions and Frequencies of Interpersonal Contacts Are Associated with Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam.

ABSTRACTBackgroundSocial and behavior change communication interventions are integral to improving dietary and care practices, but evidence on the impact of the combination and intensity of these interventions in different contexts is scarce.ObjectivesWe examined the extent of and factors associated with intervention exposure: interpersonal communication (IPC) alone or with other interventions (i.e., mass media, community mobilization, or nutrition-sensitive agricultural activities), number of and factors associated with IPC contacts, and combinations of intervention components and number of contacts associated with infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices.MethodsWe used endline survey data from impact evaluations in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam (n = 1001, 1720, and 1001 mothers with children aged <2 y, respectively). Multivariable regression models were used for analyses.ResultsExposure to the interventions varied in all 3 countries. On average, mothers received 8 visits in the last 6 mo in Bangladesh, 2 visits in the last 3 mo in Ethiopia, and 1 visit in the last 6 mo in Vietnam. Across countries, the factors associated with intervention exposure and number of IPC contacts differed. In Ethiopia, exposure to IPC with other interventions was associated with higher odds of achieving minimum meal frequency (OR: 1.6), minimum dietary diversity (OR: 1.8), and consumption of iron-rich foods (OR: 4.7). In Vietnam, exposure to IPC alone or with mass media was associated with higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF; OR: 2.8–3.7). Near-monthly visits were associated with 2–3 times higher odds of IYCF practices in Bangladesh and Ethiopia. In Vietnam, even 1 IPC visit was associated with 2 times higher odds of EBF.ConclusionsExposure matters for impact, but the combination of behavior change interventions and number of IPC contacts required to support IYCF behavior change are context specific. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01678716 (Bangladesh), NCT02775552 (Ethiopia), and NCT01676623 (Vietnam).

A Multilevel and Spatial Analysis of the Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Associated Factors among the Under-2 Aged Children in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is crucial for the growth, development, and survival of a child. This study aims to examine the factors associated with IYCF practices among the under-2 aged children in Bangladesh and spatial variability. A total of 2336 children aged 6–23 months were selected from the 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). A multi-level logistic regression was used to determine the association between socio-demographic and health-related factors accounting for the cluster effects. An adaptive bandwidth kernel density estimator (KDE) was used to investigate the spatial variability of IYCF practices in Bangladesh. The prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were 29%, 47%, and 19% respectively, where the suboptimal IYCF practice was 96% among them. The study findings show that higher maternal age at childbirth and maternal education level are positively associated with MDD, MMF, and MAD. The likelihood of MMF and MAD was higher for children whose mothers had the decision-making abilities (adjusted odds ratio, [AOR] 1.23 and 1.26, respectively) and had exposure to media (AOR 1.43 and 1.38, respectively). Four or more antenatal care (ANC) visits positively associated with the MDD (AOR 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–2.02) and ICFI (AOR 3.06; 95% CI 1.24–7.54). The heatmap shows Northern parts of Bangladesh performed better than South-West parts in child feeding practices. Overall, age-appropriate IYCF practices are not satisfactory, and many maternal characteristics contribute significantly to this. Geospatial inequalities are also notable across Bangladesh. The current scenario reinforces the need for programmes and interventions that address the spectrum of IYCF practices and help reduce spatial disparities.

Information Diffusion and Social Norms Are Associated with Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in Bangladesh

BackgroundInteraction within mothers’ social networks can theoretically diffuse messages from interventions and campaigns into norms and practices for infant and young child feeding (IYCF).ObjectivesWe hypothesized that mothers’ social networks, diffusion of information, and social norms differed in intensive [intensive interpersonal counseling (IPC), community mobilization (CM), and mass media (MM)] compared with nonintensive (standard IPC and less-intensive CM and MM) intervention areas, were associated with IYCF practices, and partly explained practice improvement.MethodsWe conducted household surveys at endline in 2014 and follow-up in 2016 (n = ∼2000 each round). We used multiple regression to test differences and changes in networks, diffusion, and norms within intervention areas. We analyzed paths from intervention exposure to IYCF practices through networks, diffusion, and norms.ResultsMothers’ networks were larger in intensive than in nonintensive areas in 2014 and increased in both areas over time [25–38 percentage points (pp)]. The prevalence of receipt of IYCF information was high, with no changes over time in intensive areas but an increase in nonintensive areas (8–16 pp). In both areas, more family members and health workers provided IYCF information over time. Sharing of information increased 17–23 pp in intensive and 11–41 pp in nonintensive areas over time. Perceived descriptive norms improved 8–16 pp in intensive and 17–28 pp in nonintensive areas. Perceived injunctive norms were high in both areas. Breastfeeding practices were associated with networks, diffusion, and norms (OR: 1.6–4.4 times larger comparing highest with lowest quartile). Minimum dietary diversity was associated with larger networks and diffusion (OR: 1.5–2.2) but not with social norms. Indirect paths from intervention exposure to practices explained 34–78% of total effects.ConclusionsDiffusion of IYCF information through social networks, reinforced by positive social norms for messages promoted over time, will contribute to positive changes in IYCF practices that may be achieved and sustained through large-scale social and behavior change interventions. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT0274084.

Intervention Design Elements Are Associated with Frontline Health Workers’ Performance to Deliver Infant and Young Child Nutrition Services in Bangladesh and Vietnam

ABSTRACTBackgroundFrontline health workers (FLWs) are needed for delivering interventions at scale to reduce maternal and child undernutrition, but low- and middle-income countries often face inadequate FLW performance.ObjectivesWe examined whether and how intervention design elements such as training, supervision, and mass media improved FLW performance in delivering nutrition services.MethodsSurvey data were collected in 2010 and 2014 as part of impact evaluations of Alive & Thrive (A&T) interventions to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in Bangladesh and Vietnam. FLWs in A&T intensive (A&T-I) areas received specialized IYCF training, job aids, and regular supportive supervision. Those in non-intensive (A&T-NI) areas received standard government training and supervision. There was mass media exposure in both areas. Multiple regression was used to test differences in exposure to intervention design elements and performance outcomes between the 2 program areas. Path analyses were conducted to examine the paths from exposure to performance outcomes measured at FLW and end-user levels.ResultsCompared to FLWs in A&T-NI areas, those in A&T-I areas had higher scores in training (by 1.3–3.6 of 10 points), supportive supervision (0.3–3.5 points), and mass media exposure (0.3–3.5 points). These intervention design elements were significantly associated with FLW knowledge and motivation, which in turn improved service delivery. FLW-level performance outcomes contributed to improving end-user-level outcomes such as higher service received (β = 0.12–1.04 in Bangladesh and 0.11–0.96 in Vietnam) and maternal knowledge (β = 0.12–0.17 in Bangladesh and 0.04–0.21 in Vietnam).ConclusionsTraining, supervision, and mass media exposure can be implemented at large scale and contribute to improved FLW service delivery by enhancing knowledge and motivation, which in turn positively influence mother's service utilization and IYCF knowledge. Training, supervision, and mass media to enhance service provision should be considered when designing interventions. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01678716 (Bangladesh) and NCT01676623 (Vietnam).

Human exposure to antimicrobial resistance from poultry production: Assessing hygiene and waste-disposal practices in Bangladesh.

The unregulated use of antibiotics is linked with intensive poultry farming in developing economies. In low-and middle-income countries, the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has also been attributed to contamination, poor public health infrastructure and inadequate waste disposal practices. There are limited data on hygiene and waste disposal practices in small-scale commercial and household poultry farming and market sales in Bangladesh. Our objective was to explore human exposures, hygiene and waste disposal practices in poultry raising and processing to identify probable pathways for transmission of AMR bacteria. We employed mixed methods approaches of in-depth interviews and structured observations to assess exposures, hygiene behaviours and waste-disposal practices relating to poultry production in Bangladesh. Interviews (n = 18) were conducted with commercial poultry farmers, backyard poultry owners, and live poultry market workers. Structured observations were conducted for 6-h in five households, five commercial farms and five urban live bird markets to assess the frequency of transmission/exposure events in these settings. Interviews highlighted existing practices that can contribute to transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria from poultry to humans. In households and farms, untreated poultry waste and carcasses were disposed of on agricultural fields and in water bodies which may contaminate surface water and soil with poultry faeces. Biosecurity precautions were not used, and hands were rarely washed with soap after handling poultry. In urban markets, live poultry slaughter and processing was done on site with bare hands which were subsequently rinsed in water stored in containers without soap. Solid waste from poultry processing was disposed into municipal waste disposal stations and liquid waste was discarded into open drains. Structured observations revealed that workers in live poultry markets had the highest direct contact with poultry and poultry waste, almost tenfold higher than those working in poultry farms or with domestic poultry (59 vs 544 observed direct poultry exposure events) placing them at particularly high risk of exposure to faecal bacteria. Biosecurity measures were limited; in some cases, workers in commercial farms and urban markets had gloves and masks but often did not use them. In 88% (606/689) of exposure events no handwashing took place. Eating and drinking after handling poultry and without washing hands was observed in all three settings. These data suggest effective intervention strategies to reduce environmental contamination and to decrease risks of transmission should be prioritized. Data on prevalence of risk behaviours and AMR transmission to humans along environmental pathways can inform policy and intervention strategies.

Evaluation of in vivo and in vitro biological activities of Gardenia latifolia Ait leaf

Gardenia latifolia Ait. belonging to the family Rubiaceae is a flowering plant with high ethnomedicinal practices in Bangladesh. The current study evaluates analgesic, antipyretic, α-amylase enzyme inhibition, membrane stabilizing, antioxidant effect and antimicrobial potentials of G. latifolia. The analgesic and antipyretic activity of ethanol extract of G. latifolia (EGL) leaves were evaluated by hot plate reaction model and brewers’ yeast-induced hyperthermia model in mice, respectively. The a-amylase inhibiting activity, membrane stabilizing activity, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of EGL along with its hexane (HSGL) and chloroform (CSGL) soluble fractions were measured employing the starch-iodine method, hypotonic induced hemolysis assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination method, respectively. Here, EGL exhibited dose-dependent pain relieving activity in experimental mice. EGL also significantly (p

Intervention Design Elements Are Associated with Frontline Health Workers’ Performance to Deliver Infant and Young Child Nutrition Services in Bangladesh and Viet Nam (P10-128-19)

ObjectivesFrontline health workers (FLW) are needed for delivering interventions at scale to reduce maternal and child undernutrition, but low- and middle-income countries often face inadequate FLW performance. This study aimed to test whether and how intervention design elements such as training, supervision, and mass media improved FLW performance in delivering nutrition services. MethodsSurvey data were collected in 2010 and 2014 as part of impact evaluations of Alive & Thrive (A&T) interventions to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in Bangladesh and Vietnam. FLWs in A&T intensive (A&T-I) areas received specialized IYCF training, job aids, and regular supportive supervision. Those in A&T non-intensive (A&T-NI) areas received standard government training and supervision; there was mass media exposure in both areas. Multiple regression was used to test differences in exposure to intervention design elements and performance outcomes between the two intervention areas. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the paths from exposure to performance outcomes measured at the FLW and end-user levels. ResultsCompared to FLWs in A&T-NI areas, those in A&T-I areas had higher scores in training (by 1.3–3.6 out of 10 points), supportive supervision (by 0.3–3.5 points), and mass media exposure (by 0.3–3.5 points). These intervention design elements were significantly associated with FLW knowledge and motivation, which in turn improved service delivery. FLW-level performance outcomes contributed to improving end-user-level outcomes such as higher service utilization (β = 0.12–1.04 in Bangladesh and 0.11–0.96 in Vietnam) and maternal knowledge (β = 0.12- 0.17 in Bangladesh and 0.04–0.21 in Vietnam). ConclusionsTraining, supervision, and mass media exposure can contribute to improved FLW service delivery by enhancing knowledge and motivation, which in turn positively influence mother’s service utilization and IYCF knowledge. These elements and mechanisms should be considered by policy makers and program implementers when designing interventions or reinforcing the work context of FLWs. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive & Thrive, managed by FHI 360.

Examining the Exposure, Timing, and Frequency of Interpersonal Communication Contacts to Improve Infant and Young Child Feeding in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam (P10-138-19)

ObjectivesIn the context of large-scale interventions to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, we examined differences in characteristics of those exposed and not exposed to interventions; exposure to interpersonal communication (IPC), including overlap with other interventions and timing and number of contacts; and relationship between frequency of IPC contacts and IYCF practices. MethodsWe used endline survey data from Bangladesh (2000 mothers with children <2y, 1000 per program group), Ethiopia (1720 mother with children aged 6–23.9 mo, 1360 per group), and Vietnam (2005 mothers with children <2y, 1000 per group). Regression models were used to test differences in exposure to specific or combined interventions between two arms and relationships between the frequency of IPC contacts or exposure to interventions and IYCF practices, adjusted for child age and sex and geographic clustering. ResultsThose exposed to interventions had higher socioeconomic status, food security, and maternal dietary diversity. There was large overlap in exposure to IPC with other interventions in intensive-intervention areas in all 3 countries. On average, mothers received 8 visits in the last 6 mo, 2 visits in the last 3 mo, and 1 visit in the last 6 mo in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam respectively. In Bangladesh, there was a positive, nonsignificant association between intervention exposure and IYCF practices in intensive areas. In Ethiopia, exposure to IPC with other interventions was associated with higher odds of minimum meal frequency (OR: 1.6), minimum dietary diversity (OR: 1.8), and consumption of iron-rich foods (OR: 4.7). In Vietnam, exposure to IPC alone or with mass media was associated with 3.7 and 2.8 higher odds respectively of exclusive breastfeeding. At least monthly visits was associated with higher odds of IYCF practices in Bangladesh and Ethiopia. In Vietnam, any number of IPC visits was associated with 2 times higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding. ConclusionsEffects of combined behavior-change interventions and frequency of IPC contacts may be context-specific. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive & Thrive, managed by FHI 360; and CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH), led by the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Counting the beans: quantifying the adoption of improved mungbean varieties in South Asia and Myanmar

The adoption of improved varieties is an important indicator of the effectiveness of agricultural research. This study quantified the adoption of improved mungbean (Vigna radiata (L). Wilczek) varieties and agricultural practices in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan using an expert elicitation approach. Data were collected from 19 expert panels, organized at subnational levels and involving a total of 259 mungbean experts. The study found that improved varieties were planted on 94% of the mungbean area in Pakistan, 89% in Myanmar, 82% in India and 72% in Bangladesh. International mungbean breeding research conducted by the World Vegetable Center has had a major impact with its germplasm adopted by an estimated 1.2 million mungbean farmers and grown on 1.8 million hectares of land. Widespread variation in the adoption of improved technologies at subnational levels point to opportunities for increased mungbean yields such as the adoption of line sowing and mechanical harvesting, the use of seed treatments with biofertilizers and biopesticides, and the adoption of better varieties with more comprehensive disease resistance.