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Nutritional intervention: a key to child survival.
H A Guthrie1, G M Guthrie, T Fernandez
1School of Public Health, University of Hawaii.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Mothers in the Philippines improved infant nutrition using locally available foods. Reinforcement strategies successfully changed feeding behaviors, leading to better infant diets and high participation rates in nutrition programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Infant growth and nutrition are critical public health concerns in rural communities.
- Longitudinal studies are essential for understanding the dynamics of infant feeding practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve infant diets in a rural Philippine community using locally available foods.
- To assess the effectiveness of contingent reinforcement strategies in modifying maternal feeding behaviors and beliefs.
Main Methods:
- Conducted field experiments involving mothers in a rural Philippine community.
- Utilized contingent reinforcement strategies to encourage behavior change.
- Monitored infant diets and maternal feeding practices.
Main Results:
- Successfully modified maternal behavior and beliefs regarding infant feeding practices.
- Observed significant improvements in infant diets.
- Achieved very high rates of participant continuation in the field experiments.
Conclusions:
- Contingent reinforcement is a productive and cost-effective method for nutrition interventions.
- Behavioral strategies can successfully enhance infant nutrition and parental involvement.
- Community-based nutrition programs can yield sustainable positive outcomes.