Weekly iron and folic acid supplementation for adolescent girls in Pakistan
Effectiveness and Acceptability Evaluation of Adolescent Nutrition CCT Pilot in Pakistan
This study tests whether giving weekly iron and folic acid supplements to girls aged 15-19 in low-income areas of Pakistan can help reduce anemia and improve their nutrition.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 2131 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Aga Khan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Trial ID | NCT06733844 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on providing weekly iron and folic acid supplements to adolescent girls aged 15-19 years in low-income settings in Pakistan, particularly targeting those who are vulnerable to anemia and malnutrition. The program is linked to a conditional cash transfer initiative, where mothers receive financial support contingent upon their daughters' participation in nutrition education and supplement consumption. The study employs a mixed-methods evaluation approach to assess the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing anemia and improving nutritional outcomes among participants. It aims to enhance equity in access to nutrition services for adolescent girls, especially those who are out of school.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescent girls aged 15-19 years living in households that are beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme.
Not a fit: Patients who are not current beneficiaries of the BISP or who do not reside in the intervention communities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce anemia rates and improve overall nutrition among adolescent girls in Pakistan.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar nutritional interventions, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescent girls 15-19 years of age * Currently living in households in the intervention communities * Their mothers are current recipients of the BISP UCCT amount * Their mothers are current recipients of Additional CCT amount for having an adolescent daughter participate * Receiving WIFAS for herself and for her adolescent daughter * Participate in adolescent nutrition education sessions. * Mothers of adolescent girls * Fathers of adolescent girls * BISP facility providers * Lady Health workers * Community influencers Exclusion Criteria: * Adolescent girls (aged 15-19 years) who are not currently living in households in the intervention communities * Are not recipients of the current BISP UCCT amount, and additional CCT amount for having an adolescent daughter.
Where this trial is running
Karachi, Sindh
- Aga Khan University — Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sajid B Soofi, MBBS, FCPS
- Email: saji.soofi@aku.edu
- Phone: +92213486
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.