Home Fortification of Complementary Foods in Bihar India

Assessing Feasibility and Program Effectiveness of Home Fortification of Complementary Foods in Bihar: A Cluster Randomized Community Pilot

This study evaluates the program effectiveness of home fortification along with infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counseling as a strategy to address anemia and complementary feedings gaps in a program setting of the Integrated Family Health Initiative being implemented by CARE India (a non-profit organization) in partnership with the Government of Bihar. The study also seeks to assess the field level worker experience with counseling and dissemination of home fortification products.

This study evaluates the program effectiveness of home fortification along with infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counseling as a strategy to address anemia and complementary feedings gaps in a program setting of the Integrated Family Health Initiative being implemented by CARE India (a non-profit organization) in partnership with the Government of Bihar.The key objectives of this study are to examine acceptability and utilization by target population, assess impact on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, evaluate impact on child growth, evaluate impact on hemoglobin concentration, and assess front line worker experience and motivation to disseminate enhanced counseling and home fortification products.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Randomly selected children living within Health-Sub Centers (HSC) in West Champaran Bihar

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children less than six months of age
• Children greater than eighteen months of age