2.4.2. Appetite Test
Prior to the appetite test, eligible children were randomized to one of the five intervention arms using the block randomization described above. The criteria to pass the appetite test were based on the Ministry of Health (MoH) Guidelines on SAM treatment. Each child was given one sachet of their assigned product by the mother/caregiver, and consumption was observed for up to 30 minutes, after which leftovers were weighed. Duration of consumption, the total amount of product consumed, the observed reaction of the child and information on the child’s normal appetite were recorded. If a child failed the appetite test and generally had very poor appetite, the child was excluded and referred to the PHC for follow-up and treatment. However, if the mother stated that her child usually had good appetite, they were provided with the product to consume at home for three days. If the child still did not consume the RUTF (or consumed <50% of the provided RUTF for three consecutive days), the child was dropped from the study and referred to the PHC for treatment.