Table 5 Summary of key findings

-Supplement not available

-majority of mothers were aware of delivery points

-LHW absent at health house

-Target groups did not receive adequate amounts

-Stunting not viewed as a problem- seen as genetic and God’s will/natural

Mothers could see improvement in child’s growth post-supplements

-Information on usage not provided to family members who collected supplements

-Correct usage technique only taught to mothers by LHWs

LHWs hurried the sharing of information

-WSB- taste and texture liked by PLW; seen as source of energy and provided physical strength

-LNS- children liked chocolatey taste

-MNP- changed the colour of food and taste, so was not liked by target population (or otherwise).

-Lack of trust regarding government intervention

-Village elders volunteered to play a positive and productive role in promotion and encourage use of food supplements in their community

- LNS and WSB were shared by household members

-Supplements not restocked due to transport allowance issues

-Male members of the households that come to collect supplements do not wish to stay and learn about usage technique or dosage.

-LHWs felt overwhelmed by multiple tasks

-Expressed need for support by LHSs

-Need for village level committee to supervise education and distribution of supplements by elders and educated community members

Demotivating factors affecting usage:

-lack of time, supplies, oversight, skills, trainings and support by

LHSs

-Concerned regarding target groups not receiving adequate amounts due to sharing of supplements

-Benefits of supplements to alleviate stunting not understood

-Transport allowance is not regularly provided for restocking and transport of supplements

-LHSs stated that LHWs need more education and training on community awareness

Poor record keeping by LHWs

-LHWs focused more on anti-polio drives and family planning

Multiple commitments make it difficult to effectively run supplement program