Autumn L DeLorme1, Erika R Gavenus2, Charles R Salmen3, Gor Ouma Benard4, Brian Mattah5, Elizabeth Bukusi6, Kathryn J Fiorella7. 1. College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, 550 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States; School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, 800 Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States. Electronic address: apt282@asu.edu. 2. Research Department, Organic Health Response, PO Box 224-40305, Mbita, Kenya. Electronic address: egavenus@gmail.com. 3. University of Minnesota, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health; Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, 516 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States. Electronic address: chas.salmen@gmail.com. 4. Research Department, Organic Health Response, PO Box 224-40305, Mbita, Kenya. Electronic address: benogor@gmail.com. 5. Research Department, Organic Health Response, PO Box 224-40305, Mbita, Kenya. Electronic address: brianjmattah@gmail.com. 6. Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840 00200, Off Mbagathi Road, Nairobi, Kenya. Electronic address: ebukusi@gmail.com. 7. Public Health Program, Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Shurman Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States; Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell University, Rice Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States. Electronic address: kf326@cornell.edu.
Abstract
RATIONALE: A growing body of research emphasizes the need to engage social networks in maternal and child nutrition interventions. However, an understanding of how interventions functionally engage not only mothers but fathers, grandparents, friends, and other social network members remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This study uses an adaptation of a social-ecological model to analyze the multiple levels at which the Kanyakla Nutrition Program operates to change behavior. METHODS: This study analyzes focus group data (four groups; n = 35, 7 men and 28 women) following the implementation of the Kanyakla Nutrition Program, a novel nutrition intervention engaging social networks to increase nutrition knowledge, shift perceptions, and promote positive practices for infant and young child feeding and community nutrition in general. RESULTS: Participant perspectives indicate that the Kanyakla Nutrition Program contributed to nutrition knowledge and confidence, changed perceptions, and supported infant and child feeding practices at the individual, interpersonal, and institutional levels. However, many respondents report challenges in transcending barriers at the broader community and systems levels of influence, where environmental and economic constraints continue to affect food access. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the Kanyakla Nutrition Program suggests that for interventions addressing household level determinants of nutrition, simultaneously engaging the household's network of interpersonal and community relationships can play a role in building momentum and consensus to address persistent structural barriers to improved nutrition.
RATIONALE: A growing body of research emphasizes the need to engage social networks in maternal and child nutrition interventions. However, an understanding of how interventions functionally engage not only mothers but fathers, grandparents, friends, and other social network members remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This study uses an adaptation of a social-ecological model to analyze the multiple levels at which the Kanyakla Nutrition Program operates to change behavior. METHODS: This study analyzes focus group data (four groups; n = 35, 7 men and 28 women) following the implementation of the Kanyakla Nutrition Program, a novel nutrition intervention engaging social networks to increase nutrition knowledge, shift perceptions, and promote positive practices for infant and young child feeding and community nutrition in general. RESULTS:Participant perspectives indicate that the Kanyakla Nutrition Program contributed to nutrition knowledge and confidence, changed perceptions, and supported infant and child feeding practices at the individual, interpersonal, and institutional levels. However, many respondents report challenges in transcending barriers at the broader community and systems levels of influence, where environmental and economic constraints continue to affect food access. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the Kanyakla Nutrition Program suggests that for interventions addressing household level determinants of nutrition, simultaneously engaging the household's network of interpersonal and community relationships can play a role in building momentum and consensus to address persistent structural barriers to improved nutrition.
Authors: Kathryn J Fiorella; Erika R Gavenus; Erin M Milner; Megan Moore; Folasade Wilson-Anumudu; Florida Adhiambo; Brian Mattah; Elizabeth Bukusi; Lia C H Fernald Journal: Matern Child Nutr Date: 2019-04-01 Impact factor: 3.092
Authors: Valerie L Flax; Abiodun Ipadeola; Courtney H Schnefke; Sarah Kwasu; Abdulrahaman A Mikail; Sujata Bose; Alice O Brower; Susan Edwards Journal: Curr Dev Nutr Date: 2022-04-08