Randomization and masking
The unit of randomization were sub centers. We randomly selected four PHCs comprising 21 sub-centers (clusters) and 106 villages from the study area. The 21 subcenters were randomly allocated using a random number sequence in the intervention and the control group. The random allocation of clusters were masked for the study team. The intervention group had 11 sub-centers (clusters) comprising 58 villages, and the control had ten sub-centers (clusters), including 48 villages. The intervention clusters received study intervention in addition to the routine ICDS services, while the participants from the control clusters received the routine ICDS services as part of the study (Consort flow chart.