💬In plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
This project aims to reduce child malnutrition in Pakistan by building on local strengths and practical community solutions. The project focuses on children 7-23 months of age. The investigators will aim to recruit young children between 7-15 months of age, giving the youngest children priority over older children so that participants may be followed longitudinally over 6 and 12 months. The project supports participants for six months through learning, practice, and regular follow-up. The work begins with community sensitization events, where local families learn about healthy feeding for young children through group discussions, visuals, and printed materials. These sessions build awareness, encourage community support, and prepare families for the main intervention.
The core of the project is a 28-day behaviour change program. In the first two weeks, mothers and children take part in
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
📋 Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
Eligible participants must meet all of the following conditions:
Child-Level Criteria:
While children in the intervention phase will range from ages 7-23 months, At the time of recruitment children will range from Ages: 7-15 months.
* Priority will be given to younger children, aged 7-11 months, followed by 12-15 months to allow completion of the intervention and follow-up visits before the child turns 24 months of age, as complementary feeding refers to feeding practices between the ages of 6-24 months.
* Moderate malnutrition, defined by: Weight-for-age Z-score between -2 and -3 standard deviations.
Household-Level Criteria:
Households will be eligible to participate if:
* They meet the classification of very poor or poor (based on community-defined wealth stratification).
* Have access to clean water and sanitation.
* Food secure at time of recruitment, defined as:
* On government assistant program or at least one adult has permanent employment, or two or more have temporary employment.
* Ownership of at least one simple livestock (e.g., chicken, goat, or sheep) or express willingness to accept and care for livestock provided by the project team.
* Access to a kitchen garden, or willingness to establish one with study support
Mother Eligibility Criteria:
The household is eligible only if the mother meets all of the following:
1. Mother is the primary caregiver for the Index Child (responsible for daily care, including supervision, bathing, and feeding).
2. Mother is alive and at least 18 years old.
3. Mother is currently breastfeeding the Index Child and willing to continue until the child reaches 2 years of age.
4. Mother expresses an interest in participating in the PD/Hearth program.
5. Mother agrees to attend up to three Hearth sessions.
6. Mother is willing and able to contribute to one of the following for Hearth sessions:
* "Special" food items (e.g., apple, banana, carrot, chickpea, egg, garlic, lentils, rice, spinach, tomato, etc.), or
* Other essential items (e.g., utensils, bowls, spoons, soap, nail cutter, towels, water, mat, salt, matchstick).
7. Mother provides permission for study follow-ups as outlined above.
8. Mother agrees to a full medical check-up for the Index Child at the nearest public health facility, including a one-time hematocrit finger-prick test (Hb test).
9. Mother provides informed consent via thumbprint or written signature.
Exclusion Criteria:
Child-Level Exclusions:
* Children who are Severely malnourished, mildly underweight or of normal weight.
* Children with Physical disabilities: difficulty in seeing, hearing, picking up small objects with his/her hand.
* Children with chronic illnesses that may interfere with normal growth (based on past or current medical history):
* Malabsorption
* Chronic Kidney Disease
* Inflammatory Bowel Disease
* Congenital Heart Disease
* Endocrine Disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiencies)
* Chronic Respiratory Diseases (e.g., asthma, lung diseases)
* Congenital or Acquired Immunodeficiency, and Neurological Disorders
Household-Level Exclusion:
• Households who do not meet the inclusion criteria.
HealthTeky