Strategies of Caregivers for Encouraging Consumption of Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement in 7 to 24-Month Old Children in Morelos, Mexico
Abstract Objectives Small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) are widely used in the treatment for malnutrition among infants and young children during complementary feeding. However, its acceptability by the children is frequently mothers concern. We aimed to identify strategies used by caregivers to encourage consumption of SQ-LNS in 7–24 month-old children in Morelos, Mexico. Methods We conducted a 14-day home feeding trial with a convenience sample of 62 caregivers of children aged 7–24 months in semi-urban communities of Morelos, Mexico. Caregivers were instructed to offer children a daily a sachet of 20-g portion of the assigned version SQ-LNS mixed with 30 g of a food commonly fed to the children. After the trial, we conducted 6 focus groups with 24 caregivers to explore their experience with the use of SQ-LNS. The main topics of the focus group guide include general perception of the supplement and the acceptability of the child and the strategies to improve consumption of children that refused the supplement. The focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and independently coded by two researchers using constant comparison method. We used Nvivo 12 to conduct the analysis. Results As some children refused SQ-LNS, caregivers used strategies to promote trying, eating some or the whole portion of the supplement. We grouped these strategies in 5 categories: i.Mixing the supplement with foods that masked the taste and/or consistencyii.Testing new ways of preparing the supplement (alone or mixing it with food to offer variety)iii.Trying various feeding practices (e.g., force feeding, self-feeding, requesting other members of the family to feed the child)iv.Offering the supplement at different points in time (e.g., as a snack, as part of lunch, after nape time, etc.)v.Other strategies (e.g., playing games, distracting children, making threats) The strategies did not vary by type of supplement. Conclusions Counseling and communication campaigns that anticipate these strategies to caregivers and include responsive feeding are needed in supplementation programs to contribute to improve acceptability and sustained use of the product. Funding Sources Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).