Table 1.
Summary of the intervention package
| Period and health | Nutrition | Psychosocial support | WaSH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preconception | |||
| Screen and treat medical conditions | Provide IFA and MMN; provide egg or milk if body mass index <21; screen and treat malnutrition, anaemia | Promote positive thinking and problem solving skills | Promote personal, menstrual and hand hygiene |
| Pregnancy | |||
| At least eight antenatal contacts, screen and treat GHT or preeclampsia, GDM, hypothyroidism, UTI, RTI, calcium supplement | Provide IFA and MMN, locally prepared snacks (210 and 400 kcal, 2 and 21 g protein in second and third trimester, respectively), provide milk (180 ml daily), provide one additional hot cooked meal (500 kcal, 20 g protein) if body mass index <18.5 or inadequate gestational weight gain | Promote positive thinking and problem solving skills | Provide water filters, soap, hand washing station, disinfectant |
| Early childhood | |||
| Empower family to identify danger signs and seek care early | 0-6 months: lactation support for early and exclusive breastfeeding; 6-24 months: promote timely CF and continued breastfeeding; provide supplementary food (125 and 250 kcal, 2.5 and 5 g protein in months 6-11 and 12-23, respectively); double supplement if inadequate weight gain | Promote early child play and responsive care | Provide play mat and potty |
| Postnatal 6 months: mother | |||
| Arrange postnatal visit at six weeks | Provide IFA, MMN, calcium, and vitamin D; locally prepared snacks (600 kcal, 20 g protein); provide milk (180 mL daily) | Promote positive thinking and problem solving skills | Same as in pregnancy |
Control group: weekly iron folic acid supplementation as part of the national programme during preconception period; routine antenatal and postnatal care for the mother and routine newborn and infant care during early childhood. CF=complementary feeding, GDM: gestational diabetes mellitus, GHT: gestational hypertension, IFA: iron folic acid, MMN: multiple micronutrients; RTI=reproductive tract infection; UTI=urinary tract infection; WaSH=water, sanitation and hygiene.