Asia Pac J Clin Nutr

Background and ObjectiveLittle is known about purchasing micronutrient powders (MNP) for children 2\u20135 years. We describe acceptability for purchasing and price points for MNP for children 2\u20135 years among caregivers living in districts where free MNP are distributed for children 6\u201323 months.Methods and Study DesignCross-sectional surveys conducted 3 months after MNP program implementation in 2 districts; 15 months after implementation in 2 different districts. Chi square tests and logistic regression describe associations among socio-demographics and program exposure factors and acceptability of purchasing MNP among 1,261 mothers of children 6\u201323 months who had heard of MNP.ResultsOverall, 77.5% and 86.1% of mothers reported acceptability for purchasing MNP in the 3 and 15 month surveys, respectively. Positive pricing attitude (PPA) about paying 150 Nepali rupees for 60 sachets of MNP was reported by 66.3% and 73.4% of mothers. Acceptability for purchasing MNP in both time periods increased with higher wealth quintile and higher maternal education; PPA increased with higher maternal education. Controlling for socio-demographics, program exposure factors associated with acceptability for purchasing MNP included: lack of perceived barriers to MNP intake and health worker counselling (3 month surveys); knowledge of benefits of MNP intake and lack of perceived barriers to MNP intake (15 month surveys).ConclusionsMothers reported acceptability for purchasing MNP and PPA for older children in Nepal. Differences in acceptability were found across socio-demographics and program exposures. Use of these results and further exploration into actual purchasing behaviour can inform future MNP distribution methods in Nepal.CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States2018-01-01T00:00:00Z28049270PMC54869886525vault:2362