Effectiveness of specialised nutritious food, local diet promotion and social and behaviour change communication in preventing stunting among children in Afghanistan: A mixed-method study protocol

Authors

Gul Nawaz Khan, The Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Imran Ahmed Chauhadry, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Shabina Ariff, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Imtiaz Hussain, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Muhammad Umer, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Enas Mariam Haris, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Ahmad Khan Khan, Aga Khan University
Mohammad Asif Hussainyar, Aga Khan University, Afghanistan
Sajid Bashir Soofi, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Niat Wali, Aga Khan University, Afghanistan
Muhammad Sajid, Aga Khan University

Document Type

Article

Department

Women and Child Health; Paediatrics and Child Health

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting is a global public health challenge, resulting from chronic undernutrition that begins in utero and continues through the first 2 years of life. In Afghanistan, the burden is severe, with nearly 45% of children under five being stunted. Maternal undernutrition, suboptimal breastfeeding, inadequate complementary feeding and other risks are the major contributors towards stunting. Despite ongoing nutrition interventions, evidence on integrated and context-specific approaches in Afghanistan is scarce. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of specialised nutritious food, promotion of local diets through local nutritious seasonal foods, appropriate maternal, infant and young child feeding practices and social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) to prevent stunting among children 6-24 months and to improve nutritional status and dietary diversity among pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBW).
Methods and analysis: A mixed-method observational study design will be employed, combining a prospective longitudinal cohort study, process evaluation and pre-post cross-sectional surveys. The intervention package will be implemented in two districts through health posts and community-based platforms. Lipid-based nutrient supplements for children aged 6-24 months and wheat-soya blend for PBW will be distributed monthly, along with SBCC sessions. Statistical analysis will use descriptive analysis, time-to-event analysis, generalised linear mixed models and thematic analysis for qualitative process evaluation. Expected outcomes include improved dietary diversity, reduced prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting and enhanced weight and linear growth. Process evaluation will assess programme implementation fidelity, acceptability and dose-response relationships.

Comments

Pagination is not provided by author/publisher.

AKU Student

no

Publication (Name of Journal)

BMJ Paediatrics Open

DOI

10.1136/bmjpo-2025-003790

Recommended Citation

Khan, G., Chauhadry, I. A., Ariff, S., Hussain, I., Umer, M., Haris, E. M., Khan, A., Hussainyar, M. A., Soofi, S., Wali, N., Sajid, M. (2026). Effectiveness of specialised nutritious food, local diet promotion and social and behaviour change communication in preventing stunting among children in Afghanistan: A mixed-method study protocol. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 10(1).
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_women_childhealth_paediatr/1663