TOPS Nigeria Care Group Adolescent Inclusion Case Study

The study aims to describe the experience of adolescent girl inclusion in Care Groups, highlighting barriers, facilitators, and lessons learned. The Care Group approach is a community-based health education program that targets mothers and their children under 5 years old. The study used qualitative methods, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions, to collect data from adolescent girls, their husbands, Care Group Promoters, and community leaders. The study found that adolescent girls who participated in the Care Group program had improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition, health, and hygiene. The study also identified barriers to adolescent girl participation, including husbands' disapproval and lack of access to education. The document provides recommendations for overcoming these barriers and strengthening the program to include adolescent girls and meet their unique needs.