This study seeks to assess the acceptability, compliance, and preference for iron supplementation; micronutrient powders (MNP) versus iron syrup. Additionally, this study seeks to assess front line health worker perceptions and experiences regarding ease of implementation of each strategy and delivery strategy preference.
The specific aims of this study are to assess the acceptability of, compliance, and preference for two delivery vehicles for pediatric prophylaxis iron supplementation (micronutrient powders (MNP) that contain iron versus iron syrup) among rural households in Bihar India delivered through home visits by front line health workers. Additionally, this study seeks to assess front line health worker perceptions and experiences regarding ease of implementation of each strategy and delivery strategy preference.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
110
1 mg of IFA syrup (containing 20 mg of elemental iron and 100 mcg of folic acid) will be taken twice per week for one month.
One sachet of micronutrient powder will be mixed into food to be taken once daily for a total of one month. One sachet of micronutrient powders includes the following: Iron (Ferrous Fumarate) 12.5 mg Zinc (Zinc Gluconate) 5 mg Folic Acid 0.160 mg Vitamin-A (Vit-A Acetate) 0.30mg Vitamin-C (Ascorbic Acid) 30 mg Vitamin-B12 0.9 mcg Iodine 90 mcg Maltodextrin Base
Mothers of participants will receive counseling on the benefits of regular iron intake, side effects associated with IFA administration, and the preservation of the IFA bottle and MNP sachets.
CARE-India
Patna, Bihar, India
Acceptability of iron and folic acid (IFA) syrup
Caregiver change in acceptability of iron and folic acid (IFA) syrup will be assessed using the Relative Preference, Acceptability, and Compliance of Iron Syrup versus Multiple Micronutrient Powders (MMP) Among Infants 6-23 Months in Bihar, India survey. This survey collects information regarding the use of iron and nutrient supplementation, barriers to usage, and attitudes towards usage.
Time frame: Endline (Up to 5 months)
Acceptability of micronutrient powders (MNP)
Caregiver change in acceptability of micronutrient powders (MNP) will be assessed using the Relative Preference, Acceptability, and Compliance of Iron Syrup versus Multiple Micronutrient Powders (MMP) Among Infants 6-23 Months in Bihar, India survey. This survey collects information regarding the use of iron and nutrient supplementation, barriers to usage, and attitudes towards usage.
Time frame: Endline (Up to 5 months)
Preference for vitamin supplementation
Caregiver change in preference for vitamin supplementation (IFA versus MNP) will be assessed using the Relative Preference, Acceptability, and Compliance of Iron Syrup versus Multiple Micronutrient Powders (MMP) Among Infants 6-23 Months in Bihar, India survey. This survey collects information regarding the use of iron and nutrient supplementation, barriers to usage, and attitu
Time frame: Endline (Up to 5 months)
Vitamin supplementation compliance
Caregiver change in vitamin supplementation compliance will be assessed using the Relative Preference, Acceptability, and Compliance of Iron Syrup versus Multiple Micronutrient Powders (MMP) Among Infants 6-23 Months in Bihar, India survey. This survey collects information regarding the use of iron and nutrient supplementation, barriers to usage, and attitudes towards usage.
Time frame: Baseline, Endline (Up to 5 months)
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Change in perceived barriers to vitamin supplementation
Caregiver change in perceived barriers to vitamin supplementation will be assessed using the Relative Preference, Acceptability, and Compliance of Iron Syrup versus Multiple Micronutrient Powders (MMP) Among Infants 6-23 Months in Bihar, India survey. This survey collects information regarding the use of iron and nutrient supplementation, barriers to usage, and attitudes towards usage.
Time frame: Baseline, Endline (Up to 5 months)
Preferred method of distribution
The preferred method of distribution will be discussed with front line workers in focus group discussions.
Time frame: Endline (Up to 5 months)