Using Participatory Community Workshops to Develop Salient Communications Strategies for Introducing a Small‐Quantity LNS in Rural Malawi and Mozambique

Study Objective We sought to identify barriers and preferred behavior change communication (BCC) strategies for introducing a 20‐gram lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS) for children 6 – 23 months Methods The formative research had 3 iterative phases, including participatory community workshops (CW) among male and female participants over 8 weeks in each setting. In Malawi, 8 CW were conducted with a total of 136 people. In Mozambique, 13 CW were carried out among Macua ( n = 6) and Mwani ( n = 7) participant groups with a total of 228 people. Each CW included 13 ‐ 23 participants (mean = 17.2) and served as a forum for brainstorming and voting for BCC strategies. Simple frequencies were tallied for analysis. Results In Malawi, community members put the onus on female caregivers to ensure LNS would be used appropriately and preferred to receive messages about LNS through community groups (Care Groups) and health workers. In Mozambique, Macua community members preferred personal forms of BCC whereas Mwani participants preferred less personal means. While both cultural groups agreed that village chiefs, activistas , and traditional healers should be central to BCC efforts, Macua communities preferred interpersonal channels such as “associations of caregivers” but Mwani community members voted for radios and megaphones as preferred channels. Conclusion Using participatory CW in a bottom‐up approach to intervention development may enhance likelihood of community engagement and ownership, and contribute to successful nutrition outcomes among vulnerable populations. Funded by Children's Investment Fund Foundation