Acceptance and Compliance With Micronutrient Powder and Complementary Food Blend Use by Filipino Mothers and Their Promotion by Community Workers

Abstract

Background: Despite the nationwide micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation, the Philippines only saw limited success in reducing the prevalence of anemia—a condition that has remained a public health concern among young children. Objective: To assess and explore the acceptability and compliance to MNP and Bigas-Mongo (BigMo) complementary food blend among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months and the promotion of these products by community health workers (CHWs). Methods: This study was part of the randomized controlled trial involving 3 methods of data collection: (1) bimonthly visits to mothers and caregivers for 6 months to determine the level of acceptability and compliance of the 4 intervention groups; (2) initial and final interviews with mothers/caregivers (initial = 141; final = 130) to gather their experiences and difficulties in MNP and BigMo preparation and feeding; and (3) focus group discussion (n = 4) among CHWs (n = 13) to understand their perceptions and difficulties in promoting MNP and BigMo. Results: The overall compliance to MNP consumption was 74.7%, with some difference between the groups. Analysis of the information received from mothers/caregivers showed that maternal adaptive strategies in preparing and feeding MNP to their children could affect MNP use, while nonreceptiveness of mothers to integrating MNP into the child’s feeding routine, perceived side effects, and perceived unfavorable taste and smell were key factors considered to limit MNP use. Conclusion: This study provides insights into MNP and BigMo acceptability and compliance by mothers and their promotion by CHWs, which may be useful in improving MNP program and complementary feeding projects and programs in similar settings.