Kalmus Eliasz, Mike 
ORCID: 0000-0002-5247-0034, Advani, Dolce and Gladstone, Melissa ORCID: 0000-0002-2579-9301
(2026)
PS-SAM: A Mixed Methods Study to Understand Current Practice and the Facilitators and Barriers to the Utilisation of Psycho-Social Stimulation Interventions in Severe Acute Malnutrition.
Maternal & child nutrition, 22 (1).
e70135-.
ISSN 1740-8695, 1740-8709
Abstract
Psycho-social stimulation interventions, recommended in the WHO guidelines for severe acute malnutrition (SAM), have been demonstrated to improve neurodevelopment and growth. However, interventions which have proven effective in clinical trials are resource-intensive and may be challenging in many contexts. This study aimed to explore facilitators, barriers and the existing provision of psycho-social stimulation interventions. We undertook a survey targeting practitioners across the globe who are involved in SAM care and/or programme management. We then undertook 12 semi-structured key informant interviews with practitioners from diverse professional contexts. We transcribed and coded interviews using a deductive approach based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science Research (CFIR). We gained 42 responses from 18 countries for our survey with 29 respondents including psycho-social stimulation interventions in their SAM programmes. Our 12 key informant interviews described several barriers (financial, physical, and human resource limitations, prioritisation of life-saving care, and staff beliefs) as well as some potential facilitators (inclusion in guidelines, enjoyment for staff and parents, and emerging evidence of benefits in terms of short and long-term outcomes). This multi-country mixed methods study revealed that there are very heterogeneous patterns around the implementation of psycho-social interventions in children with SAM. Our study has demonstrated the perceived challenges by professionals involved in SAM care of the feasibility of implementing interventions from research trials. Pragmatic studies are needed which also include an assessment of implementation to enhance an understanding of what might drive uptake. Limitations of our study include a potential respondent bias and small sample size.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Humans, Child, Preschool, Infant, Female, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires, Severe Acute Malnutrition |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences (T&R staff) Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Women's & Children's Health |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Nov 2025 08:36 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Jan 2026 21:36 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/mcn.70135 |
| Open Access URL: | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mcn.70... |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3195377 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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