Regular Growth Monitoring (RGM) of Young Children in Guinea-Bissau
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age6-5
SponsorTrustees of Dartmouth College
About this trial
Wasting (severe thinness) is a common and serious problem among young children in rural Guinea-Bissau. Community Health Agents (CHAs) can help prevent malnutrition by regularly measuring children's growth and advising families on nutritious local foods. However, this practice is not consistently implemented.
This pilot study will test whether implementing Regular Growth Monitoring (RGM) by CHAs every month is feasible and effective in reducing malnutrition among children aged 6 months to 5 years in two rural villages. Investigators will also compare three methods for measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), which is used to detect malnutrition: the standard WHO tape measure, a photograph of the arm, and a simple bracelet. The goal is to identify which method is easiest for CHAs to use reliably.
Baseline and final measurements will be taken in both villages. One village will receive the monthly RGM intervention first, followed by the second village. Families will also be asked about their experiences with the program through brief questionnaires.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Children aged 6 months to 5 years residing in one of the two selected villages in Guinea-Bissau
Caregiver willing to enroll the child in the study (verbal consent provided)
Caregiver can provide birth certificate or documentation of child's age
Child does not have severe acute malnutrition (SAM) at the baseline assessment
Disqualifiers
Children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) at baseline (these children will be referred to the local malnutrition clinic)
Children whose caregivers do not wish to participate
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Regular Growth Monitoring (RGM) by Community Health Agents
Treatment groups
400 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsSponsors and collaborators
Trustees of Dartmouth College
Lead sponsor
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov