The power of counseling: Changing maternal, infant, and young child nutrition and family planning practices in Dhamar, Yemen

Abstract

We conducted a study to determine current maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) and family planning (FP) practices and how practices can be improved with counseling. The study consisted of qualitative methods. Mothers and couples were able to attempt and adopt new practices after only one counseling visit, except consuming meat daily due to cost, and adopting contraception, which was challenging due to health system constraints. Most appreciated receiving information, reported positive experiences, and said they would continue practices. It is possible to improve these practices through counseling, although some systems factors should be addressed.

Acknowledgments

This study was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the terms of the Leader with Associates Cooperative Agreement GHS-A-00-08-00002-00 and Cooperative Agreement AID-OAA-A-14-00028. The contents are the responsibility of The Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP) and The Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP), and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.