Community-Led Approach To Combat Malnutrition Among Children (0-5 Years) In India: A Systematic Review Of Interventions And Impact

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition among children under the age of five is a persistent issue in India, with far-reaching implications for health and development. Traditional interventions often fall short in addressing this multifaceted problem. A community-led approach has emerged as a promising strategy to combat malnutrition, empowering local communities to take charge of addressing the issue. Objectives: This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of community-led approaches in combating malnutrition among children aged 0-5 years in India. It seeks to identify key components of successful community-led interventions and assess their impact on nutritional outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2013 and 2024. Studies evaluating community-led interventions targeting child malnutrition in India were included. Data on study design, intervention characteristics, participant demographics, and nutritional outcomes were extracted and synthesized. Results: A total of 6 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Findings suggest that community-led approaches have the potential to significantly improve nutritional outcomes among children aged 0-5 years in India. Key components of successful interventions include community engagement, capacity building, culturally appropriate strategies, and multi-sectoral collaboration. These approaches have been shown to enhance nutritional knowledge and practices among caregivers, increase access to nutritious foods, and promote positive behavior change.

Conclusion: Community-led approaches represent a promising strategy for combating child malnutrition in India. By empowering local communities and leveraging existing resources, these interventions can effectively address the complex determinants of malnutrition. However, further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and identify best practices for scaling up community-led initiatives nationwide.