Table 2.

Primary factors of community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) coverage organised by three delays framework

Three delays description	Contributing factors of CMAM program access *
Delay 1: Delayed decision to seek care	• Limited caregiver knowledge on malnutrition signs/symptoms • Lack of awareness of CMAM services • Varying levels of social support to seek care (e.g. husband permission required) • Variable screening services that do not reach all villages or households • Alternative health seeking options for malnutrition (e.g. traditional health practitioner or pharmacy)
Delay 2: Delayed arrival at health facility	• High travel costs relative to household income • Poor road conditions to access health facilities • Long travel distances to health facilities • Competing demands, especially during busy agricultural seasons
Delay 3: Delayed provision of adequate care	• Insufficient health staffing leading to long wait times • Variable quality of provider–patient interactions when receiving care

^*Based on salient themes derived from qualitative interviews with caregivers, community members and CMAM program staff.