Factors influencing delivery of intersectoral actions to address infant stunting in Bogotá, Colombia - a mixed methods case study

Intersectoral actions (ISA) are a recognized relationship between the health sector and other sectors to improve health outcomes. Although a frequent topic in public health studies, evidence for systematic evaluation of implementation of ISA is scarce. An intersectoral health intervention for infants under one-year-old with, and at risk of, stunting (low height-for-age) was developed by a public-private partnership in Bogotá, Colombia, during 2018 and 2019. Here we report a case study conducted in parallel to the intervention designed to assess factors that influenced implementation of the ISA.

Intersectoral actions have recently been discussed in the literature due to challenges in implementation and doubts regarding economic outcomes. The implementation of intersectoral public health interventions can be jeopardized by a lack of coordination and management skills.

The case study was developed using a concurrent mixed-methods design, with the qualitative component giving context to the quantitative

This study collected information from 122 participants. The intervention demanded intersectoral collaboration. Political will, motivated human resources, and recognition that health improvement results from collaboration, were factors that facilitated intersectoral actions. Intersectoral actions were limited by difficulties in engaging the health sector, communication challenges related to local health service decentralization, and administrative barriers. Conclusions: Intersectoral actions have recently been discussed in the literature due to challenges in implementation and doubts regarding economic outcomes. The implementation of intersectoral public health interventions can be jeopardized by a lack of coordination and management skills.