Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40608731›Full record

ArticlePloS one2025

Exploring the challenges and opportunities of multisectoral nutrition programme in Ethiopia: A qualitative study on combating undernutrition during pregnancy.

Nana Chea, Judith den Hertog, Marlon Lukken, Julie van der Houven, Milou Dirks, Ayalew Astatkie, Mark Spigt

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Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Nana CheaSchool of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1550-8988
Judith den HertogDepartment of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6517-9742
Marlon LukkenDepartment of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Julie van der HouvenDepartment of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Milou DirksDepartment of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Ayalew AstatkieSchool of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4840-9601
Mark SpigtDepartment of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDespite evidence of the benefits of multisectoral nutrition programmes in reducing undernutrition among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, implementation is not as expected for reasons that are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the challenges, opportunities, and strategies of a multisectoral nutrition programme in improving undernutrition among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

methodsA phenomenological qualitative study was conducted in four rural districts of Sidama Region, Ethiopia, in 2023. Thirty-six in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted with programme coordinators, sector office leaders, and nutrition specialists from governmental and non-governmental organizations. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and thematic analysis was carried out using qualitative data analysis software, MAXQDA version 2022.

resultsThe study identified key challenges and opportunities for a multisectoral nutrition programme aimed at addressing undernutrition among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. Challenges include a lack of operational structure, poor integration of sectoral activities, inadequate budgeting, and low commitment from collaborators and staff. However, opportunities exist in the form of existing government structures, positive attention from global organizations, its principles and existance of community centers. Optimal strategies to strengthen the programme include improved coordination, integration, communication, innovative financing, advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement.

conclusionDespite many challenges, the multisectoral nutrition programme is a promising start in addressing undernutrition in general and among pregnant women in particular, using existing government structures with greater community and partner involvement and integration.

Indexed as

National Health ProgramsNutritional StatusNutrition PolicyAdultEthiopiaFemaleGovernment ProgramsHumansMaleMalnutritionMiddle AgedPregnancyPrenatal CareVulnerable PopulationsYoung Adult

Identifiers

PMID40608731
PMCPMC12225801

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