A Social Ecological Approach to Develop a Nutrition Education Program for Preventing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Young Children in Rural Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Inappropriate feeding practices puts infants and young children at risk of iron deficiency anemia. Maternal complementary feeding (CF) behavior is determined by influences at various levels, including knowledge and attitude about feeding, inter-personal interaction with family/friends, community norms and support. The aim of this study is to understand the various influences on maternal CF behavior in order to develop a culturally appropriate nutrition education program to improve iron status of children aged 9–24 months. Using a social ecological approach, in-depth interviews with stakeholders revealed restraining factors that prevented behavior change. Culturally appropriate nutrition education messages were developed to address these constraints.

KEYWORDS:

• Complementary feeding
• social ecological approach
• nutrition education messages
• iron deficiency anemia
• barriers and facilitating factors

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the support from the participants of the study, community leaders particularly Ghulam Ali and Mohammad Arshad, and the contribution of the research assistant Mrs. Shaista Javed.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.