Evaluating Effectiveness of Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP) on Maternal and Infant Outcomes: A Non-randomized Intervention Study in Sindh and Punjab
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP) which includes specialized nutritious food (SNF) augmented with specific reproductive health interventions during pregnancy on proportion of low birthweight babies and stunting among children, in low income setting of Pakistan. The study aims to answer if: 1. Utilization of Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP) among pregnant women is effective in reducing the proportion of low birthweight babies, compared to pregnant women who are not utilizing the program, among low income setting population. 2. Utilization of Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP) is effective in reducing the proportion of stunting among children, compared to those not utilizing the program, among low income setting population. Participants who are enrolled in the Benazir Nashonuma Program (receiving intervention) and those who are not enrolled (not receiving intervention) will be followed throughout pregnancy till delivery. After delivery mother-baby dyad will be followed for a period of 12 months. Compliance of supplementation will be measured, and outcomes (low birthweight and stunting) observed throughout the follow up.
• Intervention arm: All pregnant women in their first or second trimester, who are enrolled in Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP).
• Non-intervention arm: All pregnant women in their first or second trimester, who are not enrolled in Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP).