Experiences Engaging Family Members in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition: A Survey of Global Health Professionals

Abstract

Background Family members influence maternal, child, and adolescent nutrition and are increasingly engaged in nutrition interventions and research. However, gaps in the literature related to programmatic experiences and lessons learned from engaging these key influencers in nutrition activities remain. Objectives This research aimed to document global health professionals' experiences engaging family members in nutrition activities, and their perceived barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for nutrition activities that engage family members. Methods Global health and nutrition professionals were invited to complete an online survey about their experiences engaging family members in nutrition activities. The survey included 42 multiple-choice questions tabulated by frequency and 4 open-response questions, which were analyzed thematically. Results More than 180 respondents (n = 183) in 49 countries with experience engaging fathers, grandmothers, and other family members in nutrition activities participated in the survey. Participants highlighted the importance of conducting formative research with all members of the family system and using participatory processes in intervention design and implementation. Respondents reported engaging family members increases support for recommended behaviors, improves program sustainability, and facilitates family and community ownership. Some respondents also shared experiences with positive and negative unintended consequences when engaging family members; for example, one-fifth of participants reported that mothers were uncomfortable with involving men in discussions. Common challenges centered on limited resources for program delivery, not involving all influential family members, and traditional gender norms. Recommendations included incorporating family members in the project design phase and ensuring sufficient project resources to engage family members throughout the project lifecycle. Conclusions Surveying global health professionals provides an opportunity to learn from their experiences and fill gaps in the peer-reviewed literature to strengthen intervention design and implementation. Community ownership and sustainability emerged as key benefits of family engagement not previously reported in the literature, but responses also highlighted potential negative unintended consequences.

Concordance and determinants of mothers’ and children’s diets in Nigeria: an in-depth study of the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey

“…Thus, policy-makers and donors should consider mass education and social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) approaches that target appropriate IYCF practices so that nutrition knowledge is improved among the population generally, and not just among mothers. Interventions that have targeted other family members in behaviour change communication have reported larger effects than interventions that target mothers only 36 37. The WHO also recommends involving other family members in maternal and child nutrition interventions 38…”

“…Interventions that have targeted other family members in behaviour change communication have reported larger effects than interventions that target mothers only. 36 37 The WHO also recommends involving other family members in maternal and child nutrition interventions. 38…”