A large study in Nepal looked at whether a nutrition education program called Suaahara helped families learn better ways to feed babies and keep mothers healthy during pregnancy. Researchers surveyed mothers, grandmothers, and fathers to see what they knew about nutrition and health. The results showed that families who participated in the program knew much more about important topics like breastfeeding, when to start solid foods, and prenatal vitamins. This suggests that teaching families about nutrition can make a real difference in child and maternal health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a nutrition education program in Nepal helped mothers, grandmothers, and fathers learn correct information about feeding babies and keeping pregnant mothers healthy
  • Who participated: Mothers, grandmothers, and male household heads (fathers) from families in Nepal who either participated in or did not participate in the Suaahara nutrition program
  • Key finding: Mothers and grandmothers who learned from the program were about 2 times more likely to know the correct way to breastfeed exclusively and about 1.5 times more likely to know when babies should start eating solid foods. Fathers who participated were 1.7 times more likely to know about giving colostrum (first breast milk) to newborns.
  • What it means for you: Teaching families about nutrition through organized programs appears to help them make better feeding and health choices for babies and pregnant mothers. This suggests that nutrition education programs are worth supporting and expanding, though more research is needed to see if better knowledge actually leads to healthier babies and mothers.

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a study in Nepal comparing families who participated in a nutrition education program called Suaahara with families who did not participate. They surveyed mothers, grandmothers, and fathers from both groups and asked them questions about what they knew regarding proper nutrition and health practices for babies and pregnant women. The researchers used statistical methods to compare the knowledge levels between the two groups and determine if the program made a difference.

This type of study is called a cross-sectional study because researchers collected information from people at one point in time (the end of the program in 2022) rather than following them over many years. The researchers used mathematical models to account for other factors that might affect knowledge, such as education level or income.

Understanding whether nutrition education programs actually teach people correct information is crucial before we can expect them to improve health. If a program doesn’t increase knowledge, it’s unlikely to change behaviors and improve outcomes. This study helps answer that important first question by measuring whether families actually learned the right information.

The study has several strengths: it included multiple family members (mothers, grandmothers, and fathers) which gives a more complete picture of household knowledge, and it used data from a large program evaluation conducted in 2022. However, the study has limitations: the exact number of participants wasn’t clearly stated in the abstract, and because it’s a cross-sectional study, we can’t be completely certain that the program caused the knowledge differences (other factors could explain the differences). The study also didn’t measure whether families actually changed their behaviors or if babies and mothers became healthier.

What the Results Show

Mothers and grandmothers who participated in the Suaahara program showed significantly better knowledge across multiple nutrition topics. For exclusive breastfeeding (feeding only breast milk for the first six months), mothers who participated were 2.09 times more likely to know the correct practice, and grandmothers were 2.23 times more likely. These are substantial differences.

For knowing when to introduce solid foods to babies, mothers who participated were 1.48 times more likely to have correct knowledge, and grandmothers were 1.47 times more likely. Additionally, mothers and grandmothers who participated were more likely to know that children should be fed more when they’re sick—mothers had 1.49 times higher odds and grandmothers had 1.42 times higher odds.

Regarding maternal health during pregnancy, mothers who participated were 1.64 times more likely to know about taking iron and folic acid supplements for 180 days during pregnancy, while grandmothers were 2.92 times more likely—an especially large difference. Grandmothers who participated were also 1.87 times more likely to know that pregnant mothers should have at least 4 prenatal care visits.

After delivery, both mothers and grandmothers who participated in the program were significantly more likely to know that mothers need at least 3 postnatal care visits (follow-up visits after birth). Mothers had 1.88 times higher odds and grandmothers had 1.90 times higher odds of knowing this important information. Male household heads (fathers) who participated showed less dramatic improvements overall, but those exposed to the program were 1.71 times more likely to know that colostrum (the nutrient-rich first milk) should be given to newborns immediately after birth.

This study adds to growing evidence that nutrition education programs can successfully increase family knowledge about child and maternal health. Previous research has shown that caregiver knowledge is an important step toward improving nutrition behaviors. This study is valuable because it examines multiple family members, recognizing that grandmothers and fathers play important roles in household nutrition decisions, not just mothers.

Several important limitations should be considered: First, the study only measured knowledge, not actual behavior changes or health improvements in babies and mothers. Second, because families were compared at one point in time rather than being followed over years, we can’t be completely certain the program caused the knowledge differences—other factors could explain the results. Third, the study was conducted in Nepal, so results may not apply to other countries with different cultures and food systems. Fourth, fathers showed less improvement than mothers and grandmothers, suggesting the program may not have been equally effective for all family members. Finally, the study didn’t measure how long knowledge improvements lasted after the program ended.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, nutrition education programs that teach families about proper feeding practices and maternal health appear to be effective at increasing knowledge (moderate confidence level). Programs should be designed to reach multiple family members, including grandmothers and fathers, though special attention may be needed to engage fathers effectively. However, communities should recognize that increased knowledge is just the first step—programs should also measure whether families actually change their behaviors and whether babies and mothers become healthier.

This research is most relevant for public health officials, nutrition program designers, and policymakers in countries like Nepal and other developing nations working to improve child and maternal nutrition. Healthcare workers and community health volunteers should care about this research because it shows that education programs can work. Families in areas with limited access to nutrition information may benefit from similar programs. However, families in countries with widespread access to nutrition information through schools, healthcare providers, and media may see different results.

Based on this study, families exposed to the program showed improved knowledge by the end of the program (2022), suggesting that knowledge gains can happen relatively quickly—likely within months rather than years. However, the study doesn’t tell us how long these knowledge improvements last after the program ends or how quickly families might change their actual feeding practices.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users could track their nutrition knowledge by answering weekly quiz questions about topics like exclusive breastfeeding duration, appropriate age for introducing solid foods, iron supplementation during pregnancy, and prenatal care visit recommendations. The app could show progress over time and celebrate knowledge improvements.
  • Users could set specific nutrition goals based on what they learn, such as ‘Exclusively breastfeed for 6 months’ or ‘Schedule 4 prenatal care visits during pregnancy.’ The app could send reminders about these practices and allow users to log when they complete them.
  • The app could implement a monthly knowledge check-in where users answer questions about maternal and child nutrition practices. Over time, users would see their knowledge score improve, and the app could provide additional educational content on topics where knowledge is still developing. The app could also allow users to share their progress with family members like grandmothers or partners to encourage household-wide learning.

This study shows that nutrition education programs can increase family knowledge about proper feeding and maternal health practices. However, increased knowledge alone does not guarantee improved health outcomes. This research was conducted in Nepal and may not apply to all populations or settings. Before making significant changes to your nutrition or health practices, especially during pregnancy or when feeding infants, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.