Assessment of Village Health and Nutrition Day in District Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND) is organized once every month. This ensures uniformity in mobilizing the community in observing the event in a planned and focused manner. The beneficiaries of the program include pregnant women, lactating mothers, children (0-5 years) and adolescent girls. Objectives: To assess the functioning of the Village Health and Nutrition Day held at selected villages of district Bhopal and to identify the gaps in services delivery related to the Village Health and Nutrition Day. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study carried out from March 2018 to July 2018. 10% of the session sites were randomly selected from the micro plan (32 sessions). Interviews were conducted on 8 beneficiaries from each session. Also, in-depth interviews of the service providers were taken for qualitative assessment of their experiences about the VHND sessions. Availability of required items was checked. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Office excel and Epi info 7. Results: All sessions were held as per the microplan. Major source of drinking water is hand pump (78%), 62.5% VHND sites have toilet facility. Anganwadi workers were present only at 27 (84.3%) sessions. Anganwadi helpers and the ASHAs were present at 29 (90.6%) and 31 (96.8%) sessions respectively. Only 3 (9.3%) of the session sites the supervisors from health and ICDS were present. Hemoglobinometer, KITs for urine examination and Vaccine carriers with ice packs were available in 31 (96.8%), 29 (90.6%) and 29 (90.6%). Weighing scales for children, adult and BP instruments were available in 21 (65.6%), 26 (81.2%) and 23 (71.8%) sessions respectively. Foetoscope, measuring tape and stethoscope were available in 9 (28.1%), 11 (34.3%) and 19 (59.3%). Examination table, bed screen and gloves were available in 24 (75%), 28 (87.5%) and 22 (68.7%) of the session. MCP card and MCH registers were available in 24 (75%) and 27 (84.3%) sessions respectively. In all the visited sessions Calcium tablet and ORS packets was available and stock of IFA tablet, vitamin A and AD syringes was present in 93.7%, 90.6% and 90.6% sessions. Anthelminthic drugs, Paracetamol, co-trimoxazole and chloroquine were available in 96.8%, 87.5%, 81.2% and 68.7% sessions. Anti-TB drugs and stain for fixing BF were available only in 28.1% and 37.5% respectively. Condoms and oral contraceptives were available in 84.3% and 65.6% respectively.