Community awareness and utilization of growth chart in a semi-urban Nigerian community.
Five hundred and eighteen mothers resident in Adeta, Sawmill and Baboko Communities of Ilorin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, were interviewed to assess their knowledge, utilization, and understanding of the growth chart. Five 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 have heard about growth charts. The level of awareness was significantly influenced by maternal age, educational status and parity (PLO.OS). Of those who have heard about growth chart, only 155 (55.8%) have it, and 150 of these (96.8%) use it regularly. One hundred and seventy four (33.6%) of all mothers, but 62.6% of those who have heard about the chart demonstrated an understanding of the markings on it. One hundred and sixteen mothers found the growth chart useful for immunization record, nutrition advice, clinic appointment dates, and assessment of developmental milestones. Two of the five health facilities visited had, and used growth charts. The health workers, however, demonstrated a clear understanding of weighing, plotting, and interpretation of the chart, and gave appropriate advice to mothers. Ways of improving growth monitoring in the community using the growth chart are suggested.
Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Nigeria.
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Fagbule
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Olaosebikan
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Parakoyi
D000328:Adult; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D002657:Child Development; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education*; D009549:Nigeria; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires