Designing Evidence-Based Counseling for Family Planning and Nutrition Programs in Dhamar, Yemen

Abstract

Objectives: To address the main causes of malnutrition (high fertility, illness, and inadequate nutrition), implementation research was conducted in two districts of Dhamar, Yemen, to design an integrated counseling package to improve family planning by couples and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods by mothers and children younger than two years of age. Methods: Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) methodology determined maternal, infant and young child nutrition and family planning (MIYCN-FP) practices. Mothers were asked to try new MIYCN practices over a two-week period to determine the barriers to continued use. Couples were asked to try a new FP practice, also over the same period.  A total of 88 mothers and husbands participated in the study along with 12 key informants who were asked about their knowledge and perceptions of MIYCN-FP practices. Results: FP use and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods by both mothers and children was limited. The majority of mothers and couples tried a new MIYCN and FP practice and were positive about the practice they tried. For example, a few couples were motivated to use FP because it saved money to have fewer children. Mothers could introduce micronutrient-rich foods earlier but mentioned that a few foods, such as meat, were too expensive to buy daily. Conclusions: In rural communities of Yemen, where rates of malnutrition are high and family planning use is limited, families can improve their use of optimal practices, if given the information about these practices and the support to use them.