Abstract

Child malnutrition remains a critical public health issue in India, particularly in underserved communities. This study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to evaluate the effectiveness of home-based nutrition interventions aimed at improving child health outcomes in these areas. The TPB framework, which considers attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, provides a robust theoretical basis for understanding and influencing parental behaviors related to child nutrition.The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative measures of health outcomes (e.g., weight, height, nutritional status) with qualitative insights from parental interviews and focus groups. The study design includes a randomized controlled trial involving parents and caregivers of children under five years old, who receive tailored nutrition education and support over a six-month period. Preliminary findings indicate significant improvements in child health indicators, with notable changes in parental attitudes towards nutrition, increased adherence to social norms promoting healthy eating, and enhanced confidence in implementing nutritional practices. These results underscore the importance of addressing behavioral factors in nutrition interventions and highlight the potential of TPB-based strategies to foster sustainable health improvements. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the application of TPB in the context of home-based nutrition interventions in India. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and health practitioners seeking to design effective nutrition programs in similar settings. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of these interventions and consider integrating additional theoretical models to further enhance their effectiveness.

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