학술논문

A mixed methods feasibility study of the Kusamala Program at a nutritional rehabilitation unit in Malawi
Document Type
Report
Source
Pilot and Feasibility Studies. September 24, 2018, Vol. 4 Issue 1
Subject
Malawi
Language
English
ISSN
2055-5784
Abstract
Background Children admitted to nutritional rehabilitation units (NRUs) for inpatient treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are at high risk of poor developmental and nutritional outcomes. The Kusamala Program is an interactive hospital-based counseling program for primary caregivers of children with SAM that integrates three modules: nutrition and feeding; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and psychosocial stimulation. This mixed methods feasibility study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Kusamala Program in an NRU setting and developmental outcomes in children with SAM 6 months after inpatient treatment. Methods An internal pilot trial including the first 30 children and their primary caregivers enrolled to a cluster-randomized controlled trial of the Kusamala Program was performed. Barriers and enablers were identified in a qualitative study with a focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 12 hospital staff members, including five NRU nurses who deliver the Kusamala Program. Results Results demonstrated high participant engagement (100%) and adherence (87%) of primary caregivers to the Kusamala Program. Potential barriers to implementation identified through the qualitative study were caregivers' perceived value of the program, prioritization of other ward activities, and shortages of staff. On the other hand, enablers to implementation were engaging other staff members, motivation and work ethic, and refresher training. Conclusions This mixed methods study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing the Kusamala Program in a real NRU setting. The full cluster-randomized controlled trial will be completed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kusamala Program. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03072433. Registered on 7 March 2017--retrospectively registered Keywords: Severe acute malnutrition, Child development, Nutrition, WASH, Psychosocial stimulation, Integrated interventions
Author(s): Allison I Daniel[sup.1,2,3] , Meta van den Heuvel[sup.1,4,5] , Melissa Gladstone[sup.6] , Mike Bwanali[sup.7] , Wieger Voskuijl[sup.8,9,10] , Celine Bourdon[sup.2,10] , Isabel Potani[sup.9] , Sara Fernandes[sup.6] , Jenala Njirammadzi[sup.9] [...]