Point-of-use water treatment improves recovery rates among children with severe acute malnutrition in Pakistan
Results from a site-randomized trial
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate effectiveness of point-of-use water treatment in improving treatment of children affected by severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Programme sites were randomized to one of four intervention arms: (i) standard SAM treatment; (ii) SAM treatment plus flocculent/disinfectant water treatment; (iii) SAM treatment plus chlorine disinfectant; or (iv) SAM treatment plus ceramic water filter. Outcome measures were calculated based on participant status upon exit or after 120d of enrolment, whichever came first. Child anthropometric data were collected during weekly monitoring at programme sites. Child caregivers were interviewed at enrolment and exit. Use of water treatment products was assessed in a home visit 4–6 weeks after enrolment.
This research was supported by the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Programme
Citation
Doocy, S., Tappis, H., Villeminot, N., Suk, A., Kumar, D., Fazal, S., Grant, A., & Pietzsch, S. (2018). Point-of-use water treatment improves recovery rates among children with severe acute malnutrition in Pakistan: results from a site-randomized trial. Public health nutrition, 21(16), 3080–3090. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980018001647