Mother Screening for Relapse Using Mid-upper Arm Circumference Among Children Recovered From Severe Acute Malnutrition (Full Scale Trial)

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · Sep 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way for caregivers to help monitor their children who have recently recovered from severe acute malnutrition. The goal is to see if training caregivers to measure their child's mid-upper arm circumference (a simple way to check for malnutrition) can help catch any signs of relapse early. The trial will involve three groups: one group will use the measurement method with regular follow-ups, another group will have fewer follow-ups, and the third group will receive the usual care without caregiver training.

To participate in this study, caregivers must be at least 18 years old, and their child must be between 6 and 54 months old and have recently recovered from severe acute malnutrition. Families should also be planning to stay in the area for the next six months. If eligible, caregivers will be trained to measure their child's arm size weekly for six months and will be advised to return to the clinic if the measurement indicates a problem. Participants can expect follow-up visits at three and six months to check on their child's progress and health. This study aims to improve how we detect and manage malnutrition in children after recovery, making it easier for families to stay healthy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Caregiver's aged 18 years old or older or a legal guardian or a relative aged 18 or older
• • Child aged 6-54 months
• • Child has recovered from an episode of severe acute malnutrition per Burkinabè national guidelines (weight-for-height ≥ -2 and/or mid-upper arm circumference ≥ 12.5 cm in the past month, with the criterion used for admissions corresponding to the original admission criteria)
• • Family is planning to stay in the study area for 6 months
• • Appropriate consent from the caregiver or guardian.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Caregiver age under 18 years old, or legal guardian or relatives under 18 years old
• • Child age \< 6 months or \> 54 months
• • Twins/multiple births
• • Children with feeding issues
• • Did not recover from severe acute malnutrition in the past month
• • Family is planning to move out of the study area in the next 6 months
• • Caregiver or guardian refuses to provide consent