(P02-100-25) Effectiveness of Specialized Nutritious Food, Local Diet Promotion, Behavior Change Communication in Preventing Stunting in Children in Afghanistan: A Mixed-Methods Study

Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of specialized nutritious food, promotion of local diets through local nutritious seasonal foods, appropriate maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices, and social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) to prevent stunting among children 6-24 months and to improve nutritional status and dietary diversity among pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBW).

Methods: A mixed-method observational study design will be employed, combining a prospective longitudinal cohort study, process evaluation and pre-post cross-sectional surveys. The intervention package will be implemented in two districts Lalpur of Nangarhar Province and Mohammad Aga of Logar Province through health facility (health posts) and community-based platforms. Lipid-based nutrient supplements for children 6-24 months and wheat-soy blend for PBW will be distributed monthly, alongside SBCC sessions. Data collection includes anthropometric measurements, dietary diversity assessments, and health outcomes. Statistical analysis will use descriptive analysis, time-to-event analysis, generalized linear mixed models, and thematic analysis for qualitative process evaluation.

Results: The study will assess changes in anthropometric measures, IYCF practices, and dietary diversity among children and PBW. Expected outcomes include improved dietary diversity, reduced prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting, and enhanced weight and linear growth. Process evaluation will assess program implementation fidelity, acceptability, and dose-response relationships. Preliminary findings will inform adjustments for scale-up and integration into national and regional health strategies.

Conclusions: This study will provide best available evidence on the effectiveness of a tailored, multi-sectoral intervention to combat stunting in Afghanistan, where experimental research is often challenging. The findings will guide policy recommendations for scaling similar interventions to address malnutrition and improve maternal and child health outcomes in resource-constrained settings.

Funding Sources: World Food Programme