Research

Assessing the utilization of a child health monitoring tool

Renee Blaauw, Lynette Daniels, Lisanne M Du Plessis, Nelene Koen, Hilletjie E Koornhof, Maritha L Marais, Evette Van Niekerk, Janicke Visser

Abstract


Objective: The study assessed the implementation of growth monitoring and promotion, immunisation, vitamin A supplementation, and deworming sections of the Road-to-Health Booklet. Caregivers and health care workers knowledge, attitudes and practices were investigated as well as health care workers perceptions of barriers undermining implementation.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a proportional sample of randomly selected Primary Health Care facilities across six health districts (35%; n=143) in the Western Cape Province. Health care workers involved in the implementation of the Road-to-Health Booklet, children (0-36 months) and CGs were included. Information was obtained through scrutiny of the Road-to-Health Booklet, observation of consultations and structured questionnaires.

Results: A total of 2442 children, 2481 caregivers and 270 health care workers were recruited. Weight (94.7%) measurements were performed routinely. Less than half (40.2%) of caregivers reported that their child’s growth was explained. Sixty-eight percent of health care workers correctly identified criteria for underweight, whereas only 55% and 39% could do so for stunting and wasting respectively. Road-to-Health Booklet sections were completed adequately for immunization (89.3%), vitamin A supplementation (94.6%) but not for deworming (48.8%). Most health care workers (94%) knew the correct regimes for vitamin A supplementation and deworming, but few caregivers knew when treatment was due for vitamin A supplementation (16.4%) and deworming (26.2%). Potential barriers identified related to inadequate training, staff shortages and limited time.

Conclusion: Focussed effort and resources should be channelled towards health care workers training and monitoring regarding growth monitoring and promotion to optimize utilization of the Road-to-Health Booklet. Mobilisation of community health workers is needed to strengthen community awareness of preventative health interventions.


Authors' affiliations

Renee Blaauw,

Lynette Daniels, Stellenbosch University

Lisanne M Du Plessis, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Nelene Koen, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Hilletjie E Koornhof, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Maritha L Marais, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Evette Van Niekerk, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Janicke Visser, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

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Cite this article

South African Journal of Child Health 2017;11(4):174-179.

Article History

Date submitted: 2017-12-22
Date published: 2017-12-22

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