1. A mixed method study exploring adherence to and acceptability of small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) among pregnant and lactating women in Ghana and Malawi
- Author
-
Klevor, Moses K, Adu-Afarwuah, Seth, Ashorn, Per, Arimond, Mary, Dewey, Kathryn G, Lartey, Anna, Maleta, Kenneth, Phiri, Nozgechi, Pyykkö, Juha, Zeilani, Mamane, and Ashorn, Ulla
- Subjects
Reproductive Medicine ,Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Nutrition and Dietetics ,Clinical Research ,Nutrition ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Pediatric ,Reproductive health and childbirth ,Adult ,Dietary Supplements ,Female ,Ghana ,Humans ,Lactation ,Lipids ,Malawi ,Micronutrients ,Patient Compliance ,Pregnancy ,Pregnant Women ,Time Factors ,Young Adult ,Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements ,Adherence ,Acceptability ,Women ,Nursing ,Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine ,Public Health and Health Services ,Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine ,Reproductive medicine ,Midwifery - Abstract
BackgroundSupplementing pregnant and lactating mothers with small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) has resulted in improvements in birth outcomes in some low-income settings. In order to be effective, SQ-LNS must be consumed regularly over sustained periods.MethodsThe objective was to assess and compare acceptability of and adherence to SQ-LNS consumption among pregnant and lactating women in Ghana and Malawi throughout 12 months of supplementation. We enrolled women before 20 gestation weeks into randomized trials in Ghana (n = 1320) and Malawi (n = 869). In the SQ-LNS group participants received a 20 g sachet of supplement per day during pregnancy and the first 6 months of lactation. In the control groups participants received multiple micronutrients (MMN) during pregnancy and lactation or iron and folic acid (IFA) during pregnancy and calcium during lactation. We used questionnaires to collect data on self-reported adherence to daily use of supplements and conducted in-depth interviews with women in the SQ-LNS group to examine acceptability.ResultsThe mean self-reported adherence during the supplementation period was lower in Ghana (79.9 %) than in Malawi (91.7 %) for all supplements (difference 11.8 %, P
- Published
- 2016