Acceptability and Adherence to Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) Treatment in Cases of Moderate and Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children from Rural and Indigenous Communities in Mexico.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Infant acute malnutrition increases the risk of morbidity and mortality but also has adverse effects on growth, cognitive development, and quality of life. Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) represent the standard treatment in moderate (MAM) or severe acute malnutrition (SAM) cases, but acceptability and adherence in culturally diverse settings remain poorly understood. To evaluate the acceptability and adherence to RUTF treatment among children with MAM or SAM in rural and indigenous communities of three Mexican states. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study in Chihuahua, Guerrero, and Chiapas between February and August 2024. A total of 66 children aged 6-59 months with confirmed MAM or SAM diagnoses were enrolled, with 48 completing the stud

SUBMITTER: Chavez Munoz EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12899508 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature