Community awareness and utilization of growth chart in a semi-urban Nigerian community
Fagbule, D.O.; Olaosebikan, A.; Parakoyi, D.B.
East African Medical Journal 67(2): 69-74
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 1694478 Document Number: 368580
518 mothers residing in Adeta, Sawmill and Baboko communities of Ilorin local government areas of Kwara State, Nigeria were interviewed to assess their knowledge, utilization and understanding of the growth chart. 5 health facilities in the communities studied were visited to assess the availability, utilization and understanding of growth charts by health workers. Over half (53.7%) of the mothers interviewed had heard about growth charts. The level of awareness was significantly influenced by maternal age, educational status and parity (PLO.OS). Of those who had heard about growth charts, only 155 (55.8%) have it, and 150 of the these (96.8%) use it regularly. 174 (33.6%) of all mothers, but 62.6% of those who had heard about the chart demonstrated an understanding of the markings on it. 116 mothers found the growth chart useful for immunization record, nutrition advice, clinic appointment dates, and assessment of development milestones. However, growth charts do not have a wide coverage in the Ilorin Community. Only 2 of the 5 health facilities visited had, and used growth charts; the health workers did demonstrate and understanding of the chart and gone appropriate advice to mothers. The growth charts need to be introduced alongside of mothers own methods of assessment of physical, psychological and emotional factors. What is needed is a joint approach to child growth monitoring which combines the observations, coupled with measurements made by both mothers and health workers. In discussing a child's progress with the mother, health workers need to view the child through the mother's eyes and place greater emphasis on questions of behavior, activity level, mood changes and other customary indicators that mothers use to monitor their child's well-being.