Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Indicator group S.1: Multiple indicators on caregivers' knowledge of childhood nutrition
Definition: We will look at either an aggregate score or single domains listed below that capture knowledge and attitudes toward childhood nutrition as binary variables. These indicators are aligned with AIF's counselling material to the maximum extent possible. Domains include: Caregivers' understanding of children's nutritional requirements, exclusive breastfeeding knowledge, complementary feeding knowledge, food preparation knowledge, malnutrition knowledge, awareness of growth monitoring.
Indicator S.2: Child morbidity
Definition: Child morbidity is defined as a binary variable whether a child has been reported to have any one of three symptoms in the past two weeks: fever, diarrhoea, or respiratory illnesses.
Indicator S.3: Minimum dietary diversity
Definition: Minimum dietary diversity is a binary indicator of whether a child consumed more than 5 out of 8 food groups for children 6 to 23 months, or more than 4 out of 10 food groups for children 24 to 59 months over the past 24 hours.
Indicator S.4: Minimum meal frequency
Definition: Meal frequency is a binary indicator of whether a child aged 6 – 23 months has consumed solid, semi-solid, and soft foods (including milk feeds for non-breastfed children) at least a) 2 times for breastfed infants 6–8 months b) 3 times for breastfed children 9–23 months c) 4 times for non-breastfed children 6-24 months.
Indicator S.5: Unhealthy food consumption
Definition: Unhealthy food consumption is a binary indicator of whether a child has consumed any products in three food groups: i) savoury and fried snacks, ii) sweets, and iii) sugar-sweetened beverages over the past 24 hours.
Indicator group S.6: Caregivers' attitudes and beliefs about childhood nutrition
Definition: We will measure multiple indicators to assess caregivers' attitudes toward nutritional practices, and will look at either an aggregate score or single indicators listed below. These include perceived barriers to meal frequency, perceived barriers to continued breastfeeding, trust in external counsellors, and perceived benefits of frequent feeding.
Indicator group S.7: Caregivers' implementation of best practices related to feeding and care of children
Definition: We will measure multiple indicators to measure the frequency and consistency of implementing recommended practices. We will look at either an aggregate score or single indicators listed below. Indicators S.2, S.3 and S.4 listed above will also be included in this category. These include continued breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and zero fruit or vegetable consumption.
Indicator S.8: Other household practices regarding childhood nutrition
Definition: We will look at either an aggregate score or single domains listed below that capture household practices regarding childhood nutrition as binary variables. These include frequency of visits to AWCs, utilization of Services, growth monitoring practices, and handwashing practices.