Abstract
Introduction: Growth Monitoring is the process of following and assessing the growth rate of a child in comparison to a standard by, periodic, frequent anthropometric measurements. Only a few have been said and researched about the maternal knowledge and attitude towards growth monitoring and its associated factors in Ethiopia as well globally. Therefore, this study was conducted to fill the observed gap. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted in Areka town, from June 2 to June 12, 2017 sample size was 369 (p=0.53) after correction and proportional sample size allocation is used to allocate the sample to the 4 Kebeles and Systematic random sampling was used to select households. Data was collected using semistructured questioners by interview and the obtained data was analysed using SPSS v.24.0 statistical software. Statistical significance was declared at P-value of 0.25 for bivariate and 0.05 for multivariable logistic regressions. Results: On this study 53% of mothers were found to have poor knowledge and 42.6% of mothers had poor attitude. This study also found educational status of mothers; occupational status and adequate counselling and education from health professionals are associated with knowledge on growth monitoring. Poor knowledge and adequate counselling and education from health professionals were significantly associated with attitude towards growth monitoring. Conclusion and Recommendation: Mothers have relatively good attitude than knowledge. Formal education, counselling and education from health professionals and a formal occupation had a positive impact on knowledge and attitude towards growth monitoring. The knowledge status of the mothers was found to be low.
Highlights
Growth Monitoring is the process of following and assessing the growth rate of a child in comparison to a standard by, periodic, frequent anthropometric measurements
Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) is a preventive activity comprised of GM linked usually with counselling that increases awareness about child growth; improves caring practices and increases demand for other services [1]
GMP links the information gathered over time from GM with an action as monitoring child growth alone will not result in changes in growth [1]
Summary
Growth Monitoring is the process of following and assessing the growth rate of a child in comparison to a standard by, periodic, frequent anthropometric measurements. According to a recent data, of the 7.6 million deaths annually among children who are under 5 years of age, approximately 35% are due to nutritionrelated factors and 4.4% of the deaths have been shown to be attributable to severe wasting [4]. Another term, Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) is a preventive activity comprised of GM linked usually with counselling that increases awareness about child growth; improves caring practices and increases demand for other services [1]. GMP links the information gathered over time from GM with an action as monitoring child growth alone will not result in changes in growth [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
