Work

Outpatient and community-based management of malnourished infants aged under six months (infants u6m at risk of poor growth and development): a scoping review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Malnourished infants under six months (u6m) are a vulnerable but insufficiently prioritised group, with low levels of consolidated evidence to guide outpatient and community-based care. This study synthesised evidence on outpatient and community-based management of malnourished infants u6m, focusing on intervention strategies, outcomes, barriers, and policy implications. Following the JBI framework and PRISMA guidelines, this review included information published in English between 2007 and 2025 about the outpatient or community-based management of malnourished infants u6m or mother–infant dyads. Four databases and multiple institutional websites were searched, supplemented by grey literature. Data were extracted on various study features, interventions, and outcomes. A total of 26 studies were included, with only five published since the 2023 updated guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Evidence was concentrated in studies from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Several studies described outpatient care as feasible and acceptable in multiple contexts, with reported recovery rates ranging from 65% to 91%; however, methodological heterogeneity limits comparability across studies. Breastfeeding support, maternal health, and culturally adapted interventions were described as important indicators. Tools such as the MAMI clinical care pathway, MUAC, and the MAMI WAZ look-up chart were described as effective, but require further validation and contextual testing. Major barriers that were mentioned included shortages of trained staff, inconsistent protocols, and policy reluctance to scale outpatient models. Outpatient and community-based care for malnourished infants u6m aligns with recent WHO guidance on managing ‘at-risk’ infants. However, widespread adoption requires stronger evidence-based management or tools, integration into health systems, and national policies. Strengthening research and programmatic consensus will be essential to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Source: Nutrition Research Reviews

DOI: 10.1017/s0954422426100419

Authors: Mohammad Hamid Al Muktadir, Nieves Amat Camacho, Rafael Castro-Delgado

Institutions: Universidad de Oviedo, Karolinska Institutet, Canadian University of Bangladesh, Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias

Language: English

Topic: Child Nutrition and Water Access

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550