Randomization and procedure for data collection
malnutrition
MALNOURISHED, MALNUTRITION
Cluster randomization was adopted to select the villages. Twelve villages were chosen randomly for the study. Clusters of six villages were randomly assigned for the intervention, and six villages to the control group using the lottery method by the researcher. All Anganwadi centers belonging to allocated villages were included. Based on anthropometric indices, malnutrition status was identified. All malnourished children who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. One hundred twenty-seven preschool children and their mothers from 27 Anganwadi centers in six villages were recruited for the intervention group, and 126 preschool children and their mothers from 30 Anganwadi centers in six villages were recruited for the control group (Fig. CONSORT (2010) flow diagram of the study.After the mother signed the informed consent, baseline information was collected from the mother, and the researcher assessed the children’s cognitive development. With the help of power points, posters, and flipcharts, the mothers were educated on malnutrition, its causes, signs, and symptoms, how to identify malnutrition, the consequences of malnutrition on health and development in a child’s life, and a discussion was held on methods to prevent and manage malnutrition at home. A balanced diet, a malnourished child’s dietary requirements, and a sample diet menu plan for moderate and severe malnourished preschool children were also discussed.One of the nutritious recipes, i.e., mixed vegetables and gram (paustic khichdi), was demonstrated. Additionally, the preparation of various healthy recipes rich in protein, energy, calcium, and iron were explained. The module on the Home-based management of malnutrition was given to the mothers, and they were advised to read it well and follow the practices presented in the module. Mothers were asked to prepare anyone nutritious food daily (or at least four times per week) and maintain a diary. They were also asked to send pictures of feeding the child with the recipe and clarify their doubts during the follow-up visit or telephonically. The monthly nutritional level assessment was carried out, and the findings are published