Knowledge, utilization and factors affecting utilization of growth monitoring and promotion for under two children in Butajira, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Growth monitoring and promotion is a prevention activity against malnutrition .It is comprised of growth monitoring, linked with promotion that increases awareness about child growth and serves as the core activity in an integrated child health and nutrition program. However, the knowledge and utilization of growth monitoring and promotion services is inadequate in Butajira, Ethiopia.

Objective: To assess knowledge and utilization of growth monitoring and promotion and factors affecting utilization of growth monitoring and promotion in under two children in Butajira, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, Ethiopia.

Method: Community based cross sectional study was conducted from April-May 2017. A total of 548 child less than two years old and mother who reside in Butajira were selected using simple random sampling method. The data were entered using Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 14 software. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to predict the association between utilization of growth monitoring and promotion and its determinants.

Results: From 507 mother-child pair participants with response rate 93% utilization of growth monitoring and promotion was 11% [95%CI=8.4%-13.8%] while 64% [95%CI= 60%-68%] of the mothers had adequate child feeding and growth chart knowledge. The result showed that utilization of growth monitoring and promotion had significant association with mothers with level of education; i.e elementary education [AOR=3.3(95%CI=1.50, 6.02)] and secondary education and above [AOR=3.33(95%CI=1.30, 8.50)], occupation; farmer [AOR=4.0(95%CI=1.32,8.50)], availability of weight measurement service [AOR=4.65(95%CI=1.72, 12.59)] and mother’s child feeding and growth monitoring knowledge [AOR =4.87 (95%CI =1.80, 13.16)]. 

Conclusion: Growth monitoring and promotion is not being implemented as per the recommendation. Utilization of growth monitoring and promotion is very low in rural kebeles of Butajira. Monitoring implementation of growth monitoring and promotion should be implemented throughout the country to ensure the welling of children enabling early detection of nutritional problem.