Ps‐sam
A Mixed Methods Study to Understand Current Practice and the Facilitators and Barriers to the Utilisation of Psycho‐Social Stimulation Interventions in Severe Acute Malnutrition
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15536709 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mike Kalmus Eliasz (0000-0002-5247-0034, University of Liverpool, corresponding author), Damni Advani (University of Liverpool), Dolce Advani (Department of Women and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool Merseyside UK), Melissa Gladstone (0000-0002-2579-9301, University of Liverpool) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | e70135-e70135 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-05 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Maternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/mcn.70135 |
| PMID | 41190601 |
| OpenAlex | W4415915406 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 28 |
Psycho-social stimulation interventions, recommended in the WHO guidelines for severe acute malnutrition (SAM), have been demonstrated to improve neurodevelopment and growth. However, interventions which have proven effective in clinical trials are resource-intensive and may be challenging in many contexts. This study aimed to explore facilitators, barriers and the existing provision of psycho-social stimulation interventions. We undertook a survey targeting practitioners across the globe who are involved in SAM care and/or programme management. We then undertook 12 semi-structured key informant interviews with practitioners from diverse professional contexts. We transcribed and coded interviews using a deductive approach based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science Research (CFIR). We gained 42 responses from 18 countries for our survey with 29 respondents including psycho-social stimulation interventions in their SAM programmes. Our 12 key informant interviews described several barriers (financial, physical, and human resource limitations, prioritisation of life-saving care, and staff beliefs) as well as some potential facilitators (inclusion in guidelines, enjoyment for staff and parents, and emerging evidence of benefits in terms of short and long-term outcomes). This multi-country mixed methods study revealed that there are very heterogeneous patterns around the implementation of psycho-social interventions in children with SAM. Our study has demonstrated the perceived challenges by professionals involved in SAM care of the feasibility of implementing interventions from research trials. Pragmatic studies are needed which also include an assessment of implementation to enhance an understanding of what might drive uptake. Limitations of our study include a potential respondent bias and small sample size
Acute care · Globe · Implementation research · Intervention (counseling · Malnutrition · MEDLINE · Psychological intervention · Respondent · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Child Nutrition and Water Access
The updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research based on user feedback
The Power of Play
Fostering implementation of health services research findings into practice
Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research
Neurodevelopmental, cognitive, behavioural and mental health impairments following childhood malnutrition
Costs and cost-effectiveness of treatment setting for children with wasting, oedema and growth failure/faltering
Child play and caregiver support to promote convalescence following severe acute malnutrition in Zimbabwe
The effects of psychosocial stimulation on the development, growth, and treatment outcome of children with severe acute malnutrition age 6–59 months in southern Ethiopia
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |