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Perumal N, Wang D, Darling AM, Liu E, Wang M, Ahmed T, Christian P, Dewey KG, Kac G, Kennedy SH, Subramoney V, Briggs B, Fawzi WW. Suboptimal gestational weight gain and neonatal outcomes in low and middle income countries: individual participant data meta-analysis. BMJ 2023; 382:e072249. [PMID: 37734757 PMCID: PMC10512803 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the associations between gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in low and middle income countries. DESIGN Individual participant data meta-analysis. SETTING Prospective pregnancy studies from 24 low and middle income countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Nine neonatal outcomes related to timing (preterm birth) and anthropometry (weight, length, and head circumference) at birth, stillbirths, and neonatal death. ANALYSIS METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science which identified 53 prospective pregnancy studies published after the year 2000 with data on GWG, timing and anthropometry at birth, and neonatal mortality. GWG adequacy was defined as the ratio of the observed maternal weight gain over the recommended weight gain based on the Institute of Medicine body mass index specific guidelines, which are derived from data in high income settings, and the INTERGROWTH-21st GWG standards. Study specific estimates, adjusted for confounders, were generated and then pooled using random effects meta-analysis models. Maternal age and body mass index before pregnancy were examined as potential modifiers of the associations between GWG adequacy and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS Overall, 55% of participants had severely inadequate (<70%) or moderately inadequate (70% to <90%) GWG, 22% had adequate GWG (90-125%), and 23% had excessive GWG (≥125%). Severely inadequate GWG was associated with a higher risk of low birthweight (adjusted relative risk 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.51 to 1.72; 48 studies, 93 337 participants; τ2=0.006), small for gestational age (1.44, 1.36 to 1.54; 51 studies, 93 191 participants; τ2=0.016), short for gestational age (1.47, 1.29 to 1.69; 40 studies, 83 827 participants; τ2=0.074), and microcephaly (1.57, 1.31 to 1.88; 31 studies, 80 046 participants; τ2=0.145) compared with adequate GWG. Excessive GWG was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth (1.22, 1.13 to 1.31; 48 studies, 103 762 participants; τ2=0.008), large for gestational age (1.44, 1.33 to 1.57; 47 studies, 90 044 participants; τ2=0.009), and macrosomia (1.52, 1.33 to 1.73; 29 studies, 68 138 participants; τ2=0) compared with adequate GWG. The direction and magnitude of the associations between GWG adequacy and several neonatal outcomes were modified by maternal age and body mass index before pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Inadequate and excessive GWG are associated with a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes across settings. Interventions to promote optimal GWG during pregnancy are likely to reduce the burden of adverse neonatal outcomes, however further research is needed to assess optimal ranges of GWG based on data from low and middle income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandita Perumal
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Anne Marie Darling
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Enju Liu
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Molin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- Nutrition & Clinical Services, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Parul Christian
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Gilberto Kac
- Nutritional Epidemiology Observatory, Josué de Castro Nutrition Institute, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stephen H Kennedy
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Brittany Briggs
- Certara USA, on behalf of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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Darling AM, Wang D, Perumal N, Liu E, Wang M, Ahmed T, Christian P, Dewey KG, Kac G, Kennedy SH, Subramoney V, Briggs B, Fawzi WW. Risk factors for inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain in 25 low- and middle-income countries: An individual-level participant meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004236. [PMID: 37486938 PMCID: PMC10406332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women experience suboptimal gestational weight gain (GWG) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but our understanding of risk factors associated with GWG in these settings is limited. We investigated the relationships between demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, and clinical factors and GWG in prospectively collected data from LMICs. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted an individual participant-level meta-analysis of risk factors for GWG outcomes among 138,286 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies in 55 studies (27 randomized controlled trials and 28 prospective cohorts from 25 LMICs). Data sources were identified through PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science searches for articles published from January 2000 to March 2019. Titles and abstracts of articles identified in all databases were independently screened by 2 team members according to the following eligibility criteria: following inclusion criteria: (1) GWG data collection took place in an LMIC; (2) the study was a prospective cohort or randomized trial; (3) study participants were pregnant; and (4) the study was not conducted exclusively among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women or women with other health conditions that could limit the generalizability of the results. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) body mass index (BMI)-specific guidelines were used to determine the adequacy of GWG, which we calculated as the ratio of the total observed weight gain over the mean recommended weight gain. Study outcomes included severely inadequate GWG (percent adequacy of GWG <70), inadequate GWG (percent adequacy of GWG <90, inclusive of severely inadequate), and excessive GWG (percent adequacy of GWG >125). Multivariable estimates from each study were pooled using fixed-effects meta-analysis. Study-specific regression models for each risk factor included all other demographic risk factors measured in a particular study as potential confounders, as well as BMI, maternal height, pre-pregnancy smoking, and chronic hypertension. Risk factors occurring during pregnancy were further adjusted for receipt of study intervention (if any) and 3-month calendar period. The INTERGROWTH-21st standard was used to define high and low GWG among normal weight women in a sensitivity analysis. The prevalence of inadequate GWG was 54%, while the prevalence of excessive weight gain was 22%. In multivariable models, factors that were associated with a higher risk of inadequate GWG included short maternal stature (<145 cm), tobacco smoking, and HIV infection. A mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of ≥28.1 cm was associated with the largest increase in risk for excessive GWG (risk ratio (RR) 3.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.86, 3.19]). The estimated pooled difference in absolute risk between those with MUAC of ≥28.1 cm compared to those with a MUAC of 24 to 28.09 cm was 5.8% (95% CI 3.1% to 8.4%). Higher levels of education and age <20 years were also associated with an increased risk of excessive GWG. Results using the INTERGROWTH-21st standard among normal weight women were similar but attenuated compared to the results using the IOM guidelines among normal weight women. Limitations of the study's methodology include differences in the availability of risk factors and potential confounders measured in each individual dataset; not all risk factors or potential confounders of interest were available across datasets and data on potential confounders collected across studies. CONCLUSIONS Inadequate GWG is a significant public health concern in LMICs. We identified diverse nutritional, behavioral, and clinical risk factors for inadequate GWG, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to optimizing GWG in LMICs. The prevalence of excessive GWG suggests that attention to the emerging burden of excessive GWG in LMICs is also warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Darling
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nandita Perumal
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Enju Liu
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Molin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- Nutrition & Clinical Services, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Parul Christian
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kathryn G. Dewey
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Gilberto Kac
- Nutritional Epidemiology Observatory, Josué de Castro Nutrition Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stephen H. Kennedy
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Brittany Briggs
- Certara USA, Inc. on behalf of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Wafaie W. Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Angeline J, Tushar L, Akbar JA, Raj GB. A Pilot Study to Assess and Compare Acceptability of an Energy-Dense Nutrient Supplement Among Moderate Underweight Children in Rural and Urban Settings of Pune, Maharashtra. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2122764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeyakumar Angeline
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
- School of Hospitality and Tourism, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lokare Tushar
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Janan Ali Akbar
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Giri Bibek Raj
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
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Lama TP, Khatry SK, Isanaka S, Moore K, Jones L, Bedford J, Katz J, de Pee S, LeClerq SC, Tielsch JM. Acceptability of 11 fortified balanced energy-protein supplements for pregnant women in Nepal. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2022; 18:e13336. [PMID: 35263004 PMCID: PMC9218317 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that multiple micronutrient and balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation during pregnancy can decrease the risk of stillbirth and small-for-gestational-age births and increase birth weight. We conducted a mixed-methods formative research study to identify the most acceptable among a range of 11 candidates fortified BEP supplements for use in pregnancy and lactation in a rural district in Nepal. Forty pregnant women aged 15-40 years participated in a test meal tasting of 11 different sweet and savoury candidate BEP supplements. Each participant rated the products on organoleptic properties using a 7-point hedonic scale (1 = Dislike it very much to 7 = Like it very much), ranked her 'top 3' most liked supplements, and subsequently discussed each product with peers in focus group discussions (FGDs). Five supplements (sweet lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS), savoury LNS, sweet vanilla biscuits, vanilla instant drinks and seasoned pillows) achieved the maximum overall median hedonic score of 7, with sweet LNS and seasoned pillows ranking as the top 2. This was consistent with the assessments in FGDs. Women in the FGDs expressed dislike of the smell and taste of the cocoa drink, savoury masala bar, sweet mango bar and savoury curry biscuit, which was consistent with the hedonic scale scores. This study provides valuable insights into our understanding of women's acceptance of different BEP supplements during pregnancy in rural Nepal and has helped identify the two most accepted BEP supplements to be used in a two-month home trial to assess utilisation and compliance in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsering P. Lama
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Subarna K. Khatry
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project – Sarlahi (NNIPS)KathmanduNepal
| | - Sheila Isanaka
- Departments of Nutrition and Global Health and PopulationHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | | | - Joanne Katz
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Saskia de Pee
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Steven C. LeClerq
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project – Sarlahi (NNIPS)KathmanduNepal
| | - James M. Tielsch
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
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Lama TP, Moore K, Isanaka S, Jones L, Bedford J, de Pee S, Katz J, Khatry SK, LeClerq SC, Tielsch JM. Compliance with and acceptability of two fortified balanced energy protein supplements among pregnant women in rural Nepal. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2022; 18:e13306. [PMID: 34908227 PMCID: PMC8932730 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Some evidence suggests that balanced energy protein (BEP) supplements taken during pregnancy and lactation can have positive effects on birth outcomes such as small‐for‐gestational age and birthweight, but more evidence is needed on the long‐term use and acceptability of such supplements. We conducted a mixed‐methods formative research study to assess and compare compliance with and acceptability of two BEP supplements, a lipid‐based peanut paste and a biscuit, to identify BEP supplements for subsequent inclusion in an efficacy trial. We conducted an 8‐week feeding trial of daily supplementation among two groups of 40 pregnant women each in rural Nepal. Compliance data were collected and supplements distributed at the weekly visits. Sensory properties of the supplements were assessed using a 7‐point Likert scale. In addition, in‐depth interviews with women (n = 16), family members (n = 6) and health workers (n = 6) and focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 4) were conducted to explore themes related to general use and intention of future use of the supplement. Overall self‐reported compliance was high: medians of 91.1% in the lipid‐based peanut paste group and 96.4% in the biscuit group. Both supplements were rated highly on overall likability (median score 6/7) and sensory properties. Qualitative findings showed that sustained use of the supplements was attributed to expected health benefits, favourable sensory attributes, and family support. The FGDs suggested providing the option to choose between more than one type/flavour of supplements to improve compliance. Sharing was mostly evident in the first week with higher sharing reported in the biscuit group. Both the lipid‐based peanut paste and the vanilla biscuit were well accepted by pregnant women in rural Nepal during an 8‐week home feeding trial. The compliance measurements showed high overall compliance in both supplement groups with the reasons being the perceived health benefits to the mother and baby, favourable sensory properties, enabling environment at home for product consumption (privacy and family support) and ease of product use. Before an efficacy trial of a nutritional food supplement, it is important to conduct a mixed‐methods feeding trial in the study population to understand the contextual factors that enable and prevent the use of supplements to inform ways to improve compliance with the supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsering P. Lama
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project—Sarlahi (NNIPS) Kathmandu Nepal
| | | | - Sheila Isanaka
- Departments of Nutrition and Global Health and Population Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | | | - Saskia de Pee
- Department of Global Health Milken Institute School of Public Health George Washington University Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Joanne Katz
- Department of International Health Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Subarna K. Khatry
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project—Sarlahi (NNIPS) Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Steven C. LeClerq
- Nepal Nutrition Intervention Project—Sarlahi (NNIPS) Kathmandu Nepal
- Anthrologica Oxford UK
| | - James M. Tielsch
- Department of Global Health Milken Institute School of Public Health George Washington University Washington District of Columbia USA
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Isanaka S, Garba S, Plikaytis B, Malone McNeal M, Guindo O, Langendorf C, Adehossi E, Ciglenecki I, Grais RF. Immunogenicity of an oral rotavirus vaccine administered with prenatal nutritional support in Niger: A cluster randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003720. [PMID: 34375336 PMCID: PMC8354620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutritional status may play a role in infant immune development. To identify potential boosters of immunogenicity in low-income countries where oral vaccine efficacy is low, we tested the effect of prenatal nutritional supplementation on immune response to 3 doses of a live oral rotavirus vaccine. METHODS AND FINDINGS We nested a cluster randomized trial within a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized efficacy trial to assess the effect of 3 prenatal nutritional supplements (lipid-based nutrient supplement [LNS], multiple micronutrient supplement [MMS], or iron-folic acid [IFA]) on infant immune response (n = 53 villages and 1,525 infants with valid serology results: 794 in the vaccine group and 731 in the placebo group). From September 2015 to February 2017, participating women received prenatal nutrient supplement during pregnancy. Eligible infants were then randomized to receive 3 doses of an oral rotavirus vaccine or placebo at 6-8 weeks of age (mean age: 6.3 weeks, 50% female). Infant sera (pre-Dose 1 and 28 days post-Dose 3) were analyzed for anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin A (IgA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The primary immunogenicity end point, seroconversion defined as ≥3-fold increase in IgA, was compared in vaccinated infants among the 3 supplement groups and between vaccine/placebo groups using mixed model analysis of variance procedures. Seroconversion did not differ by supplementation group (41.1% (94/229) with LNS vs. 39.1% (102/261) with multiple micronutrients (MMN) vs. 38.8% (118/304) with IFA, p = 0.91). Overall, 39.6% (n = 314/794) of infants who received vaccine seroconverted, compared to 29.0% (n = 212/731) of infants who received placebo (relative risk [RR]: 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18, 1.57, p < 0.001). This study was conducted in a high rotavirus transmission setting. Study limitations include the absence of an immune correlate of protection for rotavirus vaccines, with the implications of using serum anti-rotavirus IgA for the assessment of immunogenicity and efficacy in low-income countries unclear. CONCLUSIONS This study showed no effect of the type of prenatal nutrient supplementation on immune response in this setting. Immune response varied depending on previous exposure to rotavirus, suggesting that alternative delivery modalities and schedules may be considered to improve vaccine performance in high transmission settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02145000.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Isanaka
- Department of Research, Epicentre, Paris, France
- Departments of Nutrition and Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Brian Plikaytis
- BioStat Consulting, LLC, Worthington, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Monica Malone McNeal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières—Operational Center Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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de Kok B, Moore K, Jones L, Vanslambrouck K, Toe LC, Ouédraogo M, Ganaba R, de Pee S, Bedford J, Lachat C, Kolsteren P, Isanaka S. Home consumption of two fortified balanced energy protein supplements by pregnant women in Burkina Faso. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 17:e13134. [PMID: 33405368 PMCID: PMC8189188 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation for pregnant and lactating women in low‐ and middle‐income countries is a promising strategy to improve birth outcomes and child growth. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the acceptability of new formulations of two fortified BEP supplements, a lipid‐based peanut paste and a vanilla biscuit, among 80 pregnant women in rural Burkina Faso, prior to an efficacy trial. A 10‐week individually randomized cross‐over study was designed, in which women received a weekly supply of each supplement for 4 weeks, and a daily choice between the supplements in the last 2 weeks. Questionnaires to assess daily consumption and supplement acceptability (n = 80) and home observations (n = 20) were combined with focus group discussions (n = 6) and in‐depth interviews with women (n = 80) and stakeholders (n = 24). Results showed that the two supplements were well accepted. Quantitative findings indicated high compliance (>99.6%) and high overall appreciation (Likert score >6 out of 7) of both supplements. The assessment of preferred choice in Weeks 9 and 10 indicated a slight preference for the vanilla biscuit. Qualitative findings indicated that perceived health benefits, support from household members and educational messages from health professionals were important drivers for acceptance and compliance. Sharing was not often reported but was identified during interviews as a possible risk. We recommend that future studies use a combination of methods to identify appropriate food supplements and context‐specific factors that influence acceptability, compliance and subsequent impact of nutritious food supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda de Kok
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Katrien Vanslambrouck
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laeticia Celine Toe
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Unité Nutrition et Maladies Métaboliques, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Saskia de Pee
- Applying Evidence for Nutrition (AE4N), Wassenaar, The Netherlands.,Nutrition Division, World Food Programme, Rome, Italy.,Division of Food and Nutrition Policy and Programs, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Juliet Bedford
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Unité Nutrition et Maladies Métaboliques, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Carl Lachat
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Kolsteren
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sheila Isanaka
- Departments of Nutrition and Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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