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Formative study on the acceptance of Wheat Soy Blend Plus Plus (WSB++) as a daily complementary food supplement (CFS) in rural Bangladesh
Author(s) -
Kramer Rebecca,
Shamim Abu Ahmed,
Kumkum Mehnaz Alam,
Hanif Mohammad,
Shaikh Saijuddin,
Merrill Rebecca Day,
Christian Parul
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.620.10
Subject(s) - formative assessment , focus group , environmental health , medicine , consumption (sociology) , rural area , psychology , business , pedagogy , social science , pathology , marketing , sociology
During a preparatory phase of a CFS feeding trial in rural NW Bangladesh, we field tested WSB++, an enhanced fortified blended food, using formative research methods to examine its acceptance by mothers and children and potential barriers to its use. Mothers (n = 44) living in the (JiVitA) study area with a child aged 6 to 18 months received pre‐cooked or uncooked WSB++ for 10 to 12 days. Acceptability and amount of WSB++ consumed were assessed through observation, interview and focus group discussion. Mothers liked feeding the WSB++ and found it as easy or easier to prepare as traditional complementary foods, but many added sugar or other spices to “improve the flavor”. Compliance (child consumed >;75% of the daily portion) was highest (100%) among mothers who cooked WSB++ at home with daily field worker visits, compared to those who prepared WSB++ without worker visits (63%) or who received pre‐cooked WSB++ (55%). Child illness was the main reason given for lower intake. Mothers reported reduced consumption of other complementary foods during WSB++ distribution compared to before, especially when the CFS was offered at usual mealtimes. Although diet replacement is a potential challenge for effective CFS use, mothers’ willingness to cook and feed WSB++, especially with some encouragement, suggests it is an acceptable CFS to use in rural Bangladesh. Grant Funding Source : USDA (FANEP, NIFA), USA; WFP, Italy; DSM, Switzerland