Probiotics and Synbiotics Administered to Young Infants: Perceptions and Acceptability Amongst Carers and Healthcare Workers in Western Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

A contributory factor to childhood undernutrition is poor gut health occurring within the first 6-12 weeks of life despite exclusive breastfeeding. Pro/synbiotic administration may protect gut health. A qualitative study was conducted amongst mothers/carers and healthcare workers (HCWs) to explore their perceptions and the acceptability of pro/synbiotics administration in early life.

Methods

This study was nested within a randomised, open, clinical trial of pro/synbiotics with 32 doses administered under supervision to infants between ages 0 and 5 months in western Kenya. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 mothers/carers, 12 Peer Mothers and 7 healthcare workers (HCWs) selected by purposive critical and key informant sampling. Interviews

SUBMITTER: Otiti MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11820114 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature