Impact of Suaahara, an at‐scale multisectoral nutrition programme, on health workers' maternal and child health, and nutrition knowledge and skills in Nepal

• DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13669
• Publication Date: 2024-06-17T06:58:58Z
• Authors: Deependra K. Thapa; Edward A. Frongillo; Shalini Suresh; Ramesh P. Adhikari; Bhim Pun; Karuna L. Shakya; Raj Mandal; Subir K. Kole; Kenda Cunningham
• Keywords: Community Health

Abstract Suaahara , an at‐scale multisectoral nutrition programme in Nepal, aimed to advance knowledge and skills of frontline health workers improve the quality services at facility community levels. This study assessed impact interventions on Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). The used a quasi‐experimental design which four intervention districts were compared with pair‐matched comparison districts. One worker three FCHVs from each survey cluster included. Baseline consisted 93 (2015) 118 (2012), endline (2022) 40 120 FCHVs. Difference‐in‐differences regression models employing intent‐to‐treat analysis, accounting for clustering district level, intervention. intervention, relative comparison, had no effect workers’ knowledge. There was positive effect, however, FCHVs’ areas exclusive breastfeeding, timing introduction complementary feeding, sick child feeding growth monitoring promotion (GMP) children under 2 years. versus higher scores related measuring weight pregnant women, height/length children, conducting GMP years identifying malnourished children. improved capacity workers, particularly nutrition‐related among GMP‐related both