(P07-029-25) The Use of Home Fortification Products in Humanitarian Settings: A Scoping Review

Objectives: Home fortification products (HFPs), including multiple micronutrient powders and small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements, are specialized, nutrient-filled products which are added to foods prepared at home with the aim of filling critical nutrient gaps in the diets of infant and young children and preventing malnutrition. However, despite their potential, there has been limited documentation of the use of HFPs in humanitarian settings. The aim of this scoping review was to explore the evidence base and feasibility of implementing HFP programming in humanitarian settings.

Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL) and grey literature were searched in September 2024 for studies published from January 2000 onward, yielding 70 articles after duplicates were eliminated. Two research assistants independently selected articles that met inclusion criteria. Backward citation tracking was performed on eligible studies. Studies that met inclusion criteria were analyzed thematically.

Results: A total of 8 studies (6 quantitative, 1 qualitative, and 1 mixed methods) were included. The limited studies examined indicate that the use of HFPs in humanitarian settings is more feasible when carried out in the context of ongoing humanitarian programming, including general food distribution, growth monitoring activities, and behavior change communication. Adherence and acceptability monitoring, along with sensitization and education efforts in both the formative and implementation phases, also contributed to successful HFP programming. Hindering the use of HFPs in humanitarian settings were logistical issues, including delays in obtaining the products, sharing of HFPs across household members, and a lack of trust in both implementers and HFPs. HFPs appeared to have mixed results with regard to improving health outcomes, such as growth, anemia, and morbidities, though effects were difficult to isolate.

Conclusions: Despite being feasible to implement and potentially beneficial to recipients, few studies have examined the use of HFPs in humanitarian settings. Overall, more research, including effectiveness trials and implementation research, is needed to determine whether and how HFP programming should be implemented in humanitarian settings.

Funding Sources: Funded by the Boston University Center on Forced Displacement (CFD)