Community-Based Interprofessional Training for Undergraduate Medical Students Through Family Adoption Programme centering on Infant and Young Child Feeding

Background: The Family Adoption Programme (FAP), introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for MBBS students, to connect medical education with community health by engaging students in rural settings. This study assesses the effectiveness of a community-based interprofessional training program integrated into the FAP, focusing on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices. Methods: This was a community-based single-arm interventional study. involving 150 first-year MBBS students, alongside healthcare workers. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted to evaluate students' knowledge of IYCF, mothers' understanding, and changes in child nutrition status. Communication skills were assessed using a validated checklist Results: The intervention significantly improved first-year students' knowledge of IYCF practices, with median scores increasing from 18 to 23 out of 25 (p<.001). Mothers' knowledge also improved, with median scores rising from 6 to 10 out of 12 (p<.001). Significant improvements were observed in meal frequency and dietary diversity among children. However, anthropometric changes, while positive, were not statistically significant. Students' communication skills showed substantial enhancement, with positive attitudes towards communication increasing from 86.7% to 98% post-intervention. Conclusions: The interprofessional training program effectively enhanced MBBS students' knowledge and communication skills, benefiting both their educational experience and community health outcomes.