Regular Growth Monitoring (RGM) of Young Children in Guinea-Bissau

Wasting (severe thinness) is a common and serious problem among young children in rural Guinea-Bissau. Community Health Agents (CHAs) can help prevent malnutrition by regularly measuring children's growth and advising families on nutritious local foods. However, this practice is not consistently implemented. This pilot study will test whether implementing Regular Growth Monitoring (RGM) by CHAs every month is feasible and effective in reducing malnutrition among children aged 6 months to 5 years in two rural villages. Investigators will also compare three methods for measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), which is used to detect malnutrition: the standard WHO tape measure, a photograph of the arm, and a simple bracelet. The goal is to identify which method is easiest for CHAs to use reliably. Baseline and final measurements will be taken in both villages. One village will receive the monthly RGM intervention first, followed by the second village. Families will also be asked about their experiences with the program through brief questionnaires.

NCT Number	NCT07584395
Lead Sponsor	Trustees of Dartmouth College Collaborators: University of California, San Francisco
Conditions	Severe Acute Malnutrition, Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)
Enrollment	400 participants
Start Date	2026-05-05
Primary Completion	2026-12 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-07-15