Improving early childhood nutrition practices through parents' evening forums in rural Rwanda

This study aimed to evaluate early childhood nutrition knowledge and practices in Gicumbi District, Rwanda, and assess the potential of parents' evening forums as platforms for community-based nutrition education.

This study employed a mixed-methods design incorporating structured questionnaires (quantitative) and focus group discussions and interviews (qualitative). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation to explore associations among participation, knowledge application and access barriers. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data to capture contextual insights and educational preferences.

The study was conducted in Gicumbi District, a rural region in northern Rwanda, characterised by high malnutrition rates.

523 participants: 471 household heads completed questionnaires; 52 took part in focus group discussions and interviews.

The study revealed substantial knowledge gaps, with only 46 % of participants aware of the symptoms of malnutrition and just 32 % identifying nutrient-rich complementary foods. Despite 68 % of participants reporting social connection as a key motivator for joining parents' evening forums, logistical challenges such as time and travel barriers were cited by 41 % as constraints. Lectures were the most preferred teaching method (78 %), followed by cooking demonstrations (56 %). Qualitative findings emphasised the importance of local relevance, peer support and interactive learning for fostering participation and knowledge retention.

Parents' evening forums represent a viable and contextually appropriate platform for delivering early childhood nutrition education. Their expansion, alongside the integration of digital tools and tailored, experiential teaching approaches, could strengthen community engagement and address persistent malnutrition challenges in Rwanda and comparable settings.