Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of Growth Monitoring and Promotion for under two children in Butajira, Ethiopia 2017
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Date
2017-05
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) defines
Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) is a prevention activity comprised of growth
monitoring linked with promotion (usually counseling) that increases awareness about child
growth; improves caring practices; increases demand for other services, as needed; and serves as
the core activity in an integrated child health and nutrition program, when appropriate. This
would help parents keep their young children healthy and well nourished. GMP has been
implemented in Ethiopia since 2008 as nutrition specific intervention to prevent malnutrition.
Objective: To assess knowledge and utilization of growth monitoring and promotion and
identify factor associated with knowledge and utilization of GMP for children under two years in
Butajira, SNNPR, Ethiopia.
Method: Community based cross sectional study was conducted from April-May 2017. A total
of 548 child mother pair less than 2 years old who resides in Butajira were selected by simple
random sampling method. Qualitative study (in depth interview and observation) were also
conducted to supplement the quantitative study and to assess the skill and knowledge of health
extension workers working in selected heath post. The data was entered using Epidata version
3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 14 software. Multivariable logistic regression model was
fitted to predict the association between knowledge and utilization of GMP and their
determinants. All statistical analysis was set at 5% level of significance (i.e. p < 0.05. The results
were reported as Odds Ratio and 95% CI). Appropriate tables and diagram were used to present
findings.
Result: Among 507 mother-child pair participates utilization of GMP was fifty five 11%
[95%CI=8.4%-13.8%] while three hundred twenty five 64% [95%CI= 60%-68%] of the mothers
had adequate child feeding and growth chart knowledge. The result showed that mothers gave
birth in the health facility were 1.60 times more likely to be knowledgeable about child feeding
and growth chart than those mother gave birth at home [AOR=1.60; (95% CI=1.06, 2.44)].
Whereas those child-mother pair traveled less than one hour to reach to the nearest health facility
from their house were 2.06 times more likely to be knowledgeable about child feeding and
growth chart than those mother travel more than an hour to reach to their nearest health facility
[AOR= 2.06; (95%CI=1.35, 3.13)]. Mothers with elementary educational level were 3.31 time
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more likely utilize GMP [AOR=3.31(95%CI=1.50, 6.02)] while mothers with secondary and
above education level were 3.33 times more likely utilize GMP than illiterate mothers
[AOR=3.33(95%CI=1.30,8.50)]. Regarding occupation of the mother, framers were 4.03 times
more likely utilize GMP than house wives [AOR=4.03(95%CI=1.32, 8.50)]. Mothers with child
feeding and growth monitoring adequate knowledge were about 5 times more likely utilize GMP
than those mother with inadequate knowledge [AOR=4.87(95%CI=1.80,13.16)]. Qualitatively,
irregularity of GMP session due to health extension work load, not recording the age and weight
of the child accurately, mother wrong belief and skill gap of heath extension workers were
challenges of GMP utilization.
Conclusion: growth monitoring and promotion is not implemented as it was supposed to be.
More than half of the respondents had adequate child feeding and growth chart knowledge and
utilization of GMP is very low in rural kebeles of Butajira. Monitoring implementation of growth
monitoring and promotion should be needed throughout different weredas and kebeles that are
expected to implement growth monitoring and promotion program.
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Keywords
Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of Growth Monitoring