Title
Behavioral insights into micronutrient powder use for childhood anemia in Arequipa, Peru
Date Issued
01 January 2021
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Brewer J.D.
Shinnick J.
Román K.
Santos M.P.
Buttenheim A.M.
Tulane University
Publisher(s)
Johns Hopkins University Press
Abstract
Childhood anemia remains a significant driver of morbidity in low- and middle-income countries, including Peru. To identify behavioral challenges to using micronutrient powder (MNP) that is given to supplement children's diets and prevent anemia, we applied a behavioral design approach to interviews and focus groups with 129 caregivers in Arequipa, Peru. We examined 3 key points in the decision-making process: accessing MNP through the health system; forming intentions to use MNP; and MNP use at the time of child feeding. Using the NUDGE (Narrow, Understand, Discover, Generate, Evaluate) approach, we identified the following behavioral barriers and facilitators: (1) caregivers' experiences with health care providers shaped their motivation to access MNP; (2) caregivers felt accessing MNP at clinics was inconvenient and created hassle factors; (3) caregivers' mental models about anemia prevention shaped MNP intentions and use; (4) caregivers' salient negative experiences could have caused them to stop giving MNP; (5) caregivers forgot to give MNP if they did not have cues to remind them but could be prompted with salient cues; and (6) caregivers were affected by emotional, cognitive, and attentional factors during feeding that were difficult to anticipate. Our results, based on a behavioral design approach, suggest opportunities to adapt current messaging, counseling, and education around MNP use. Adaptations include providing culturally relevant messages, leveraging caregivers' emotional and cognitive states, and encouraging small but impactful changes to feeding routines to address barriers to MNP use.
Start page
721
End page
731
Volume
8
Issue
4
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Biotecnología agrícola Nutrición, Dietética
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85099077264
PubMed ID
Source
Global Health Science and Practice
ISSN of the container
2169575X
DOI of the container
10.9745/GHSP-D-20-00078
Source funding
Minority Health International Research Training Program
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Tinker Foundation
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Tulane University
Sponsor(s)
Funding: This work was supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, “Tulane-Xavier Minority Training in International Health” through the Minority Health International Research Training Program [grant number T37 MD001424]; the Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University with the Tinker Foundation; and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The conclusions expressed in this article are entirely those of the listed authors and are not endorsed by the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State, or any of its partner organizations. None of the funders had any role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation.
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus