Jacqueline Kabongo, Louisa Mudawarima, Florence D. Majo, Anesu Dzikiti, Joice Tome, Bernard Chasekwa, Batsirai Mutasa, Lloyd Dzapasi, Epiphania Munetsi, Isabella Cordani, Robert Ntozini, Lisa F. Langhaug, Mutsa Bwakura-Dangarembizi, Andrew J. Prendergast
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Children hospitalised for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) have a high risk of mortality, relapse and rehospitalisation following hospital discharge. Current approaches fail to promote convalescence, or to address the underlying social determinants of SAM, meaning that restoration of long-term health, growth and neurodevelopment is not achieved. Although guidelines recommend play and stimulation to promote recovery, most caregivers are not supported to do this at home. We set out to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a codesigned intervention package aimed at providing child stimulation through play, and strengthening caregiver capabilities through problem-solving skills, peer support and income-generating activities. We evaluated the intervention in two phases, enroling 30 caregiver–child pairs from paediatric wards in Harare, Zimbabwe, once children who had been hospitalised with SAM were ready for discharge. Children were median 17.8 months old, and 28.6% had human immunodeficiency virus. Trained intervention facilitators (IFs)—lay workers whose own children had previously had SAM—delivered the intervention over 12 weeks with nurse supervision. Qualitative interviews with caregivers and IFs showed that the intervention was feasible and acceptable. Participants reported benefiting from the psychosocial support and counselling, and several started income-generating projects. Caregivers appreciated the concept of play and caregiver–child interaction, and all reported practising what they had learned. By Week 12, caregiver mental health and caregiver–child interaction improved significantly. Overall, the intervention was feasible, acceptable and showed promise in modifying caregiver knowledge, attitudes and practice. An efficacy trial is now needed to evaluate whether the intervention can improve child convalescence following complicated SAM.
期刊介绍:
Maternal & Child Nutrition addresses fundamental aspects of nutrition and its outcomes in women and their children, both in early and later life, and keeps its audience fully informed about new initiatives, the latest research findings and innovative ways of responding to changes in public attitudes and policy. Drawing from global sources, the Journal provides an invaluable source of up to date information for health professionals, academics and service users with interests in maternal and child nutrition. Its scope includes pre-conception, antenatal and postnatal maternal nutrition, women''s nutrition throughout their reproductive years, and fetal, neonatal, infant, child and adolescent nutrition and their effects throughout life.