Impact of a clinic-based growth monitoring programme on maternal nutrition knowledge in Lesotho.
Int J Epidemiol
; 21(1): 59-65, 1992 Feb.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-1544759
ABSTRACT
PIP: Between December 1985-November 1986, survey data from 907 mothers of 2-year-old children in 8 Catholic Relief Services (CRS) clinics in Mahale's Hoek and Mafeteng districts in Lesotho were analyzed to determine if attendance at a typical nationwide clinic-based growth monitoring program improved maternal knowledge of weaning practices and diarrhea management. 85% of the mothers were Basotho women. At the clinics, the mothers did not undergo individual counseling or receive training in growth charts. Group nutrition education efforts did occur, however, but separately from the program. Mothers who attended a clinic had a significantly higher increased knowledge of the appropriate timing for introducing animal protein rich foods and about the use of oral rehydration salts than those who did not attend (p.05). This association was especially significant for mothers with only primary education and those with infants 6 months old. The mothers reported breast feeding a mean of 2 years. 85% knew to introduce cereals and liquids between 4-6 months old. Yet few mothers knew how to appropriately stop breast feeding. For example, 50% believed it should stop in 1 day. The researchers believed that the separate group nutrition activities contributed to the positive effect of clinic attendance on maternal knowledge of nutrition and diarrhea management. Other research needs to be done to determine if teaching of growth charts and individual counseling would significantly improve maternal knowledge. Clinic staff delivering improved educational messages could have a significant positive effect on the growth and health of Basotho children who are undergoing weaning.
Key words
Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara; Age Factors; Biology; Child Development; Delivery Of Health Care; Demographic Factors; Developing Countries; Diarrhea; Diseases; Economic Factors; Education; Educational Status--women; English Speaking Africa; Family And Household; Family Characteristics; Family Relationships; Growth; Health; Health Education; Health Services; Infant; Infant Nutrition; Knowledge--women; Lesotho; Methodological Studies; Mothers; Nutrition; Nutrition Programs; Nutrition Surveys; Oral Rehydration; Parents; Population; Population Characteristics; Primary Health Care; Socioeconomic Factors; Socioeconomic Status; Southern Africa; Treatment; Weaning; Youth
Search on Google
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
/
Nutritional Sciences
/
Maternal Health Services
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Newborn
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Epidemiol
Year:
1992
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Guatemala