The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61452

Guy Koppe¹, Eric Swedberg², Siaka Konaté³, Zana Daou³, and Abdoulaye Bagayoko, Dr³. (1) School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, 6175225607, guy.koppe@tufts.edu, (2) Child Survival, Save the Children, 54 Wilton Rd., Westport, CT 06880, (3) Bougouni Office, Health Sector, Save the Children, U.S., B.P. 84, Bougouni, Mali

Background: Assessments of “positive deviant” behaviors in households and the implementation of programs based upon these findings have led to published reports of children’s improved nutritional status in many settings. The PD approach was introduced and successfully piloted in Mali in 1999 by Save the Children and the Ministry of Health. In 2001 this affordable community based approach was replicated in eight new villages.

Methodology: Retrospective weight for age data for children 6 to 36 months from 6 of the 8 intervention villages and 3 control villages was collected and analyzed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition before and after program implementation. Children were also weighed 5 – 13 months following the intervention.

Results: The mean WAZ scores pre and post intervention improved for all three age groups in the intervention villages (6-15 mo. – 0.18 Z score, 16 – 25 mo. - .39 Z score, 26 – 36 mo. - .46 Z score). The Z scores declined in 2 of the 3 age categories of the control villages with only a slight improvement in the 16 – 25 mo. Category (.07 Z score). The mean WAZ of the children was maintained 5 – 13 months after they had completed the program.

Conclusions: Although malnutrition continues to be a concern in the intervention villages, important improvements were seen in all age categories as compared to the control villages. The maintenance of these nutritional improvements suggests that the behaviors learned during the program were sustainable and continued in the homes.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to understand the use, impact, and sustainability of the positive deviance approach to addressing child malnutrition in Mali.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Save the Children
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.