ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER IN IMPROVING NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN DURING THE FIRST 1000 DAYS OF LIFE

Abstract

Background: The first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday, are a critical period for growth, development, and long-term health. Adequate nutrition during this period is essential for preventing malnutrition and promoting optimal physical and cognitive development. Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs provide financial incentives linked to health and nutrition services to improve maternal and child health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a CCT program in improving the nutritional status of children during the first 1,000 days of life. Materials & Methods: : A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 16 May 2025 to 16 November 2025 at the Health and Nutrition Stunting Prevention Conditional Cash Transfer facilitated center, Rural Health Centre Chak No. 3, District Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 408 children aged two years who completed all scheduled follow-up visits from the third to the eighth quarter were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric assessment form. Nutritional status was assessed using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), weight, and height measurements. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, and paired sample t-tests were applied to compare measurements at admission and the eighth-quarter assessment. Results: Significant improvements were observed in all anthropometric indicators. Mean MUAC increased from 12.54 ± 0.99 cm to 13.75 ± 0.91 cm, mean height increased from 67.95 ± 45.66 cm to 77.46 ± 5.27 cm, and mean weight increased from 7.65 ± 8.06 kg to 9.77 ± 7.44 kg (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Overall, 397 (97.3%) children demonstrated improvement in nutritional status. Greater improvements were observed among children receiving higher cash transfers along with specialized nutritious foods and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). Conclusion: The CCT program was highly effective in improving the nutritional status of children during the first 1,000 days of life. Integrated cash transfer and nutrition support interventions can play a significant role in reducing child undernutrition and promoting healthy growth among vulnerable populations.