Dataset Information

Experiences Engaging Family Members in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition: A Survey of Global Health Professionals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Family members influence maternal, child, and adolescent nutrition and are increasingly engaged in nutrition interventions and research. However, there remain gaps in the literature related to programmatic experiences and lessons learned from engaging these key influencers in nutrition activities.

Objectives

This research aimed to document global health professionals' experiences engaging family members in nutrition activities, and their perceived barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for nutrition activities that engage family members.

Methods

Global health and nutrition professionals were invited to complete an online survey about their experiences engaging family members in nutrition activities. The survey included 42 multiple-choice questions tabulated by frequency and 4 open-response questions, which were analyzed thematically.

Results

More than 180 respondents (n = 183) in 49 countries with experience engaging fathers, grandmothers, and other family members in nutrition activities participated in the survey. Participants highlighted the importance of conducting formative research with all members of the family system and using participatory processes in intervention design and implementation. Respondents reported engaging family members increases support for recommended behaviors, improves program sustainability, and facilitates family and community ownership. Some respondents also shared experiences with positive and negative unintended consequences when engaging family members; for example, one-fifth of participants reported that mothers were uncomfortable with involving men in discussions. Common challenges centered on limited resources for program delivery, not involving all influential family members, and traditional gender norms. Recommendations included incorporating family members in the project design phase and ensuring sufficient project resources to engage family members throughout the project lifecycle.

Conclusions

Surveying global health professionals provides an opportunity to learn from their experiences and fill gaps in the peer-reviewed literature to strengthen intervention design and implementation. Community ownership and sustainability emerged as key benefits of family engagement not previously reported in the literature, but responses also highlighted potential negative unintended consequences.

SUBMITTER: Lowery CM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8866103 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Experiences Engaging Family Members in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition: A Survey of Global Health Professionals.

Lowery Caitlin M CM Craig Hope C HC Litvin Kate K Dickin Katherine L KL Stein Maggie M Worku Beamlak B Martin Stephanie L SL

Current developments in nutrition 20220114 2

<h4>Background</h4>Family members influence maternal, child, and adolescent nutrition and are increasingly engaged in nutrition interventions and research. However, there remain gaps in the literature related to programmatic experiences and lessons learned from engaging these key influencers in nutrition activities.<h4>Objectives</h4>This research aimed to document global health professionals' experiences engaging family members in nutrition activities, and their perceived barriers, facilitators ...[more]

PMID: 35224418

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Dataset Information

Experiences Engaging Family Members in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition: A Survey of Global Health Professionals.

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Experiences Engaging Family Members in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition: A Survey of Global Health Professionals.

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