Improving Nutrition and Health Outcomes in Intibuca, Honduras

Improving Nutrition and Health Outcomes in Intibuca, Honduras

The purpose of this research study is to better understand how to prevent malnutrition in children under age 5 years in Intibuca, Honduras. A randomized community trial design was used to implement a nutrition program, including a complementary nutrition supplement, educational sessions, and growth and health monitoring integrated into the basic primary care package, to participants living in communities in the intervention group. Participants living in the control group communities will receive the nutrition supplement for one year following the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children between the ages of 6 months and under 5 years at the time enrollment who reside in Concepcion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with congenital anomalies, mental retardation, severe physical handicap, undernutrition caused by medical conditions that contribute to undernutrition such as heart disease, kidney failure, face and throat problems that interfere with swallowing, medical problems interfering with the absorption of food, and chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, etc.
• Plans to move or change place of residence outside the intervention region in the next 2 months.
• Children whose weight for age z score falls below - 3.
• Children whose weight for age z score is above 3.