Use of designing for behaviour change framework in identifying and addressing barriers to and enablers of animal source feeding to children ages 8–23 months in Bandarban Hill District in Bangladesh: Implications for a nutrition‐sensitive agriculture programme

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Md Abul Kalam, Emory University; Chowdhury AA Asif, Helen Keller International; Ame Stormer, Helen Keller International; Treena Bishop, Helen Keller International; Meredith Jackson-deGraffenried, Helen Keller International; Aminuzzaman Talukder, Helen Keller International
• Language: English
• Date: 2023-04-01
• Publisher: Wiley Open Access
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022 The Authors. Maternal & Child Nutrition published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13472
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Maternal and Child Nutrition
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 2
• Keywords: Chattogram Hill Tracts; child nutrition; animal source foods; Bangladesh; barrier analysis; designing for behaviour change; behavioural determinants; behaviour change
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Inadequate diet quality is a cause of undernutrition among children 6–23 months of age in Bangladesh, particularly in remote and isolated areas such as Bandarban District. Feeding animal source foods can help to combat stunting and wasting problems among children, but it may not be accessible or acceptable. A barrier analysis using the Designing for Behavior Change Framework was conducted in Bandarban district with participants from 4 ethnic groups, to explore potential barriers and key motivators by examining 12 behavioural determinants of consumption of animal‐source food in complementary feeding for children 8–23 months. Data were collected from 45 mothers of children 8–23 months, who provided animal‐source foods to their children (doers), and from 45 mothers who did not (non‐doers), for a total of 90 interviews. Nine determinants were statistically significantly different between doers and non‐doers as follows: self‐efficacy, positive consequences, negative consequences, social norms, access, reminders, perceived risk, perceived severity and perceived action efficacy. Nearby access to purchase animal‐source foods, rearing poultry or livestock at home and the support of household and community members are enablers to feeding animal‐source food. In contrast, these same factors are barriers for non‐doers. The lack of money to spend on animal‐source foods is also a barrier. An integrated nutrition‐sensitive and gender‐transformative animal‐based food production, and inclusive market programme could increase access to meat and eggs at the household level, increase opportunities to earn income and support gender‐equitable household workloads and decision‐making for optimal child feeding.