Improving treatment for severe acute malnutrition in Ethiopia
Effect of Leveraging Community-level Structures to Strengthen Prevention, Screening and Treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Ethiopia
This study is testing a new program in Ethiopia that uses community groups to improve how children with severe acute malnutrition get treated and supported.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1080 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Months to 5 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | International Food Policy Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jimma) |
| Trial ID | NCT06380504 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The R-SWITCH intervention aims to enhance the treatment coverage for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Ethiopia by utilizing community groups to implement a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, screening, referral, and treatment. This program focuses on behavior change communication regarding child nutrition and health, active and passive screening methods, and follow-up for children enrolled in outpatient treatment programs. The study will assess the impact of this intervention on treatment coverage, identify barriers to implementation, and evaluate its cost-effectiveness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this intervention are children aged 6-59 months who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition or are currently enrolled in outpatient treatment programs.
Not a fit: Patients with anthropometric malformations or disabilities that hinder accurate measurements will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly increase the number of children receiving treatment for severe acute malnutrition, thereby reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in community-based interventions for malnutrition, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child 6-59 months of age * Suffering from SAM (defined as MUAC \< 115mm or presence of bilateral pitting edema or Weight-for-Length Z-score \<-3) OR currently enrolled in SAM OTP Exclusion Criteria: \- Anthropometric malformation or being handicapped which hampers anthropometric measurements.
Where this trial is running
Jimma
- Kersa and Jeldessa woredas — Jimma, Ethiopia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lieven Huybregts, PhD — International Food Policy Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Lieven Huybregts, PhD
- Email: l.huybregts@cgiar.org
- Phone: 202 862-6481
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.