Research

Camp-Based Barrier Analysis of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding, Iron-rich Food Consumption, and Early Antenatal Care Seeking Behaviors of Syrian Refugees in Azraq Camp, Jordan

Large numbers of Syrians have migrated to Jordan, in search of refuge from the deteriorating security situation in Syria. Azraq refugee camp, situated 90 kilometers from the Jordan-Syrian border, has registered 54,442 of these refugees (with 36,278 currently residing in the camp) (UNHCR July 2016). International Medical Corps, along with partner organizations, have been working in Azraq camp to deliver messaging, counseling and services to strengthen health and nutrition among refugees. Despite these ongoing efforts, several key maternal and child nutrition behaviors remain low. International Medical Corps was awarded a TOPS Microgrant to lead a Barrier Analysis (BA) training of partner organizations and three assessments in Azraq camp on 1) early initiation of breastfeeding, 2) iron-rich food consumption among children under two, and 3) early antenatal care (ANC) seeking behaviors. Four determinants were found to be significant for early initiation of breastfeeding, 4 determinants for iron-rich food consumption, and 3 determinants for ANC. This report details these significant determinants and provides recommendations on how evidence from these assessments can be used to inform activity planning in International Medical Corps and other agencies’ programs in Azraq camp, as well as contribute to advocacy toward policy changes that may be necessary to support behavior change.

Start Date:

2016

End Date:

2016

Donors:
  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Technical, Operational, and Program Support (TOPS)
Publications: