Reducing Malnutrition in Children through Community Care Groups

INTERVENTION: Intervention1: CARE GROUP MODEL: The intervention is implementation of a structured, peer‐led behaviour change approach called Care Group Model to assess acceptability and feasibility. In this model, selected mothers/caregivers from the community, referred to as Care Group Volunteers, will be trained and supported to share key nutrition messages with neighbouring households that have children under five. These messages will be informed by the findings from the previously conducted sub‐studies. The model will involve a clear cascade of actors. Firstly, supervisors, who will facilitate and support the overall delivery process and train the promoters. Promoters will then train and mentor the Care Group Volunteers. Control Intervention1: Routine ICDS services: The control arm will receive standard care from routine ICDS services. CONDITION: PRIMARY OUTCOME: To assess acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.Timepoint: Baseline, midline‐8 weeks and endline‐16 weeks. SECONDARY OUTCOME: To identify the barriers & facilitators along with potential adaptations essential for scaling up.Timepoint: midline 8 weeks & endline 16 weeks INCLUSION CRITERIA: For the delivery of intervention‐Care Group Volunteers will be recruited from consenting mothers or primary caregivers residing in the selected clusters, provided they intend to remain in the study area for at least 6 months and have at least one parent or caregiver available in the household. Primary preference will be given to mothers or caregivers of children aged 2 to 5 years. Secondary preference will be given to mothers or female caregivers with children above 5 years of age, as well as other female resident caregivers who express a formal willingness to participate during initial community screening.Community health workers will be recruited to fulfill other roles in the model. Care Group Supervisors consisting of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and Care Group Promoters consisting of Anganwadi Workers will be eligible for inclusion, if they provide informed consent and possess at least one year of active work experience. Identification and recruitment of these worke