TITLE:
Local Dishes versus “Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods” in the Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition during the Rehabilitation Phase: A Randomized, Single-Blind Study
AUTHORS:
Kamo Sélangai Doka Héléne, Fadimatou Altiné, Septche Davy Gilles, Abouame Palma, Mekone Isabelle, Boupda Loic Ardin, Sap Suzanne
KEYWORDS:
Efficacy, Local Dishes, RUTF, Severe Acute Malnutrition
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.16 No.11,
November
21,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: In a context of frequent shortages of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs), this study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the use of local dishes combined with nutritional education for children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) during the rehabilitation phase. Methods: This work is based on a randomized, single-blind trial conducted over a period of 11 months. Children aged between 6 to 59 months, hospitalized for SAM and undergoing treatment during the rehabilitation phase, were included. Randomization was performed by consecutive inclusion based on even order numbers (control group under RUTFS) and odd order numbers (intervention group with local dishes). The minimum sample size, according to Kelsey’s formula, was 24 patients. Data were recorded on a data sheet and analyzed using IBM SPSS 27 software. Ethical considerations were respected. Results: A total of 30 patients were included. The duration of the rehabilitation phase was longer in the intervention group. Weight gain, expressed in g/kg/day, was 12.98 (control group) and 17.90 (intervention group). Mean brachial circumference or Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) at discharge was greater in the control group. All these observed differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05); no cases of death were recorded. Conclusions: Patient outcomes at the end of the study were similar, despite a relapse in the intervention group. The use of local dishes, coupled with nutritional education, in the treatment of SAM during the rehabilitation phase has similar efficacy to conventional treatment with RUTFS.