{"id":2170,"date":"2024-12-20T09:15:34","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T09:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidenigeria.org\/?p=2170"},"modified":"2024-12-20T11:12:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T11:12:37","slug":"engaging-fathers-in-complementary-feeding-evidence-from-nigeria-by-sarah-kwasu-fhi-360-alivethrive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidenigeria.org\/index.php\/engaging-fathers-in-complementary-feeding-evidence-from-nigeria-by-sarah-kwasu-fhi-360-alivethrive\/","title":{"rendered":"Engaging Fathers in Complementary Feeding: Evidence from Nigeria By Sarah Kwasu (FHI 360 Alive&Thrive)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Engaging Fathers in Complementary Feeding: Evidence from Nigeria\n
By Sarah Kwasu
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AN ALIVE AND THRIVE STORY<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Photo credit: Mbuto Machili for FHI 360<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Introduction<\/strong><\/p>

Complementary feeding practices in Northern Nigeria have traditionally involved various family members and caregivers, with fathers often playing a crucial role in providing food or financial resources. However, the nutritional quality of the food provided is not always considered, leading to suboptimal child growth and development.<\/p>

In a recent study titled Implementing a Multilevel, Multicomponent Intervention to Engage Fathers in Complementary Feeding in Northern Nigeria: Barriers, Facilitators, and Suggestions for Change<\/em><\/a>, colleagues and I explored the feasibility and impact of engaging fathers in improving complementary feeding practices.<\/p>

In this post, I summarize the methods and findings of the study.<\/p>

Methods<\/strong><\/p>

The study employed a comprehensive multilevel, multicomponent approach, targeting fathers of children aged 6-23 months. The intervention aimed to improve dietary diversity through community-based strategies. The research methods were designed to capture a wide range of perspectives and insights.<\/p>

The research team conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with a diverse group of participants, including fathers, mothers, community leaders, and health workers. These interviews were structured to delve deeply into the current feeding practices, the barriers to achieving dietary diversity, and the perceptions of fathers\u2019 roles in child nutrition. The questions were crafted to uncover the underlying reasons for the existing practices and to identify potential areas for intervention.<\/p>

For instance, fathers were asked about their understanding of nutritional needs, their involvement in meal preparation, and the challenges they faced in providing diverse diets. Mothers and health workers provided complementary perspectives on the support needed from fathers and the community.<\/p>

Focus group discussions (FGDs) were another critical component of the research. These discussions were held separately with fathers and mothers to explore gender-specific perspectives and experiences. The FGDs provided a platform for participants to share their views on cultural norms, their knowledge of nutrition, and the impact of community interventions. The interactive nature of FGDs allowed for a richer understanding of the social dynamics and the collective attitudes towards complementary feeding.<\/p>

To quantify the prevalence of various feeding practices and attitudes towards dietary diversity, colleagues administered surveys to a larger sample of fathers. These surveys included questions about the types of foods provided to children, the frequency of meals, and the fathers\u2019 involvement in feeding. The survey data complemented the qualitative insights from the IDIs and FGDs, providing a comprehensive picture of the feeding practices in the community.<\/p>

Analysis<\/strong><\/p>

The data collected from the IDIs, FGDs, and surveys were analyzed using thematic analysis. This method involved several key steps to ensure a thorough and systematic examination of the data.<\/p>

First, the team transcribed the interviews and discussions verbatim. These transcripts were then imported into Atlas.ti, a qualitative data analysis software, which facilitated the coding process. Recurring themes and patterns in the data were then identified and categorized into meaningful groups. This process of coding and theme identification was iterative, with continuous refining of categories to capture the nuances of the participants\u2019 responses.<\/p>

The themes were further analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research<\/a> (CFIR) constructs, originally published in 2009 and updated in 2022<\/a>. The CFIR provided a structured approach to understanding the various factors influencing the implementation of the intervention. The constructs included:<\/p>