Effect Of Behaviour Change Intervention To Improve Child Nutrition: A Case Study Of Mwanzo Bora Nutrition Program In Morogoro Region

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of behaviour change intervention on child's nutritional status among Mwanzo Bora Nutrition Program (MBNP) beneficiaries in Mvomero district and Morogoro Municipality as a case study. A total of 280 mothers with their children between 25 and 59 months old were randomly sampled equally from two wards per district. Data for respective study population were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Measurements of heights and weights of the sampled children were taken and analyzed for nutrition status using ENA for SMART 2011 software. Descriptive statistics were carried out while T-test and Chi-square test were done to determine relationship between variables by using SPSS version 16 software. Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting in Mvomero district did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between MBNP and non-MBNP respondents. However, in Morogoro Municipality stunting was less prevalent among MBNP (8.6%) compared to non-MBNP (34.3%) respondent (p≤0.05). Early antenatal care (ANC) booking behaviour was observed among MBNP participants whereby more than 60% started ANC clinic within first trimester compared to less than 50% of non-MBNP households in both districts. Exclusive breastfeeding practice was well complied by about 70% of MBNP participants compared to less than 50% of non-MBNP in both districts. In both districts, the consumption of vegetables and fruits was also reported to have increased by more than 75% of the respondents following MBNP interventions. Also positive perception towards MBNP was observed by the majority of the respondents in both Mvomero district (95.7%) and Morogoro Municipality (84.3%). This study revealed significant contribution of behaviour change communication (BCC) approaches implemented by MBNP in improving child nutrition. There is a need to m ake use of gained experiences from MBNP in implementing other nutrition interventions interventions.