IDTC's KAP Survey in Gedo Region for UNICEF's IMAM Project

Gedo Region, Somalia

In the challenging landscape of Gedo Region, Somalia, where communities grappled with the persistent threat of malnutrition, the Institute of Development and Training Consultants (IDTC) undertook a crucial project in collaboration with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). This initiative, a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey, was an integral component of the UNICEF-funded Integrated Mild and Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) project. The primary goal was to gain profound insights into the prevailing dynamics of malnutrition, enabling targeted interventions for improved child health outcomes.

Context of Malnutrition in Gedo Region

Gedo Region faced multifaceted challenges, including conflict, displacement, and climatic uncertainties, exacerbating the risk of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations, such as children. Recognizing the severity of the situation, UNICEF partnered with IDTC to conduct a comprehensive KAP survey, seeking a nuanced understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition in the region.

Project Objectives

In-Depth Understanding of Local Dynamics: The KAP survey aimed to delve deeply into the local context, unraveling the intricate web of factors contributing to malnutrition. This included socio-cultural practices, dietary habits, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and community perceptions surrounding nutrition.
Identification of Barriers and Enablers: By assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers and community members, the project endeavored to identify both barriers and enablers to optimal nutrition. This knowledge formed the basis for designing interventions that resonated with the community's existing practices.
Customized Intervention Strategies: Armed with insights from the KAP survey, IDTC collaborated with UNICEF to formulate targeted intervention strategies. These strategies were tailored to address specific gaps and challenges uncovered during the survey, ensuring a more effective and culturally sensitive approach to combat malnutrition

Methodology

The KAP survey employed a multifaceted methodology to capture a comprehensive picture of the nutrition landscape in Gedo Region:

Community Engagement and Surveys: IDTC's expert teams engaged directly with community members, conducting surveys to gauge their knowledge of nutrition, attitudes toward healthcare practices, and daily dietary practices. This participatory approach ensured that the community's voice was central to the survey findings.
Healthcare Provider Consultations: In addition to community members, healthcare providers, including local clinics and health centers, were consulted to understand their perspectives on prevalent health-seeking behaviors and challenges faced in addressing malnutrition.
Focus Group Discussions: Focus group discussions provided a qualitative dimension to the survey, allowing for in-depth exploration of cultural norms, beliefs, and community dynamics that influenced nutritional practices.
Quantitative Data Analysis: The collected data underwent rigorous quantitative analysis, enabling the extraction of statistically significant patterns and trends. This analysis served as the foundation for evidence-based decision-making in designing intervention strategies.

Expected Outcomes

The KAP survey conducted by IDTC was anticipated to yield valuable outcomes with far-reaching impacts:

Tailored Interventions: Insights from the survey were anticipated to inform the design of interventions that resonated with local practices, ensuring higher acceptability and adherence within the community.
Behavioral Change Strategies: Understanding the attitudes and beliefs of caregivers enabled the formulation of targeted behavioral change communication strategies. These aimed to shift practices that contributed to malnutrition.
Capacity Building: The project paved the way for targeted capacity-building initiatives, empowering caregivers and healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to address malnutrition effectively.
Evidence for Advocacy: The survey findings served as a robust evidence base for advocacy efforts, enabling UNICEF and IDTC to advocate for policy changes and increased resources to combat malnutrition in Gedo Region.

Anticipated Impact

The "Needs Assessments and WASH Programme Development" project aspired to bring about transformative change in the targeted communities. Anticipated impacts included:

Improved Health Outcomes: Enhanced access to clean water and improved sanitation to contribute to a reduction in waterborne diseases, positively impacting community health.
Community Empowerment: By involving communities in the decision-making process, the project aimed to empower residents to take ownership of their WASH infrastructure and practice
Sustainable Practices: The emphasis on capacity building ensured that the WASH program left a lasting impact, fostering sustainable practices beyond the project's duration.

Conclusion

IDTC's KAP survey in Gedo Region stood as a testament to the institute's commitment to evidence-based, community-centric interventions. By unraveling the complexities of local knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition, the project set the stage for impactful interventions that could break the cycle of malnutrition and contribute to the holistic well-being of the community.

IDTC