A Community-Based Positive Deviance/Hearth Infant and Young Child Nutrition Intervention in Ecuador Improved Diet and Reduced Underweight

Abstract Objective Underweight and stunting are serious problems in Ecuador that require interventions in the first 2 years of life. The researchers assessed the effectiveness of a Positive Deviance (PD)/Hearth community-based intervention using local foods to improve infant and young children's nutrition. Design A quasi-experimental nonrandomized study was conducted between March and October, 2009. Setting The intervention and study were implemented in the Ecuadorian highlands provinces of Chimborazo and Tungurahua. Participants Eighty mother–child pairs in 6 intervention communities and 184 mother–child pairs in 9 comparison communities. Intervention Mothers met in participatory peer-led PD/Hearth cooking and nutrition education sessions for 12 days. Main Outcome Measures Dietary intake and nutritional status were collected at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Analysis Multiple linear and logistic regression were used for growth outcomes, and ANCOVA for mean dietary intakes. Results Mothers in the intervention were 1.3–5.7 times more likely to feed their children the promoted foods ( P P Conclusions and Implications The PD/Hearth interventions support mothers to improve infant and young children's nutrition practices and reduce underweight.