Mothers perception of quality of growth monitoring and promotion programs: A qualitative study in c te d'ivoire

Abstract

Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) may contribute to the prevention of child malnutrition, provided its quality is adequate. In a qualitative study of two government-run and two NGO-run GMP programs in Cote d'Ivoire, quality was assessed on the basis of norms and maternal perceptions. Mothers' criteria for judging quality were close to the normative criteria, and programs ranked similarly with the two approaches. NGO programs ranked better than government programs. Mothers accorded a great deal of importance to the quality of interpersonal relations. Poor feedback and follow-up of children at high risk of malnutrition was a technical shortcoming of all programs. Mothers did not comment much on technical requirements, but they complained about the scarcity and irrelevance of advice on child feeding. They value GMP and its preventive role, and they wish to share positive child feeding experiences with other mothers. More emphasis on relevant nutrition counselling, effective communication, and caring is required in personnel training and supervision.