Implementation & assessment of a Community Nutrition Program

Abstract

Childhood undernutrition is a major health problem in Sri Lanka. The mothers should be given a thorough knowledge regarding the factors that could lead to undernutrition o f their children and the ways o f preventing them, because mothers are mostly involved in caring and feeding o f their children and nutrition' education programs could play a major role, on providing knowledge. The Community Nutrition Program was implemented, aimed at children 5 years and under, in the target village, Nawimana. The major objective was to reduce the risk o f undernourishment of the children. The specific objectives were to develop leadership skills in volunteer leaders and to establish Discussion Groups among mothers. The nutritional levels o f children, behavioral changes in family nutrition and household sanitary were also expected to be improved. Heights and weights were taken from sample population (40 children),-at the commencement and end o f the program and the two data sets were compared with each other and also with NCHS reference standards. In addition-a 7-day dietary survey was carried out. Volunteer leaders were selected from the target group and given 7 weeks training on nutrition and health education along with leadership skills. At the end, the training was evaluated. Mother’s Discussion Groups were, then stablished and finally, random home visits were carried out. Results of the anthropometric measurements compared with NCHS standards revealed that, the percentages before implementing the program was stunting 7.5%,underweight 10% and wasting 0%. After implementing the program the percentages were stunting 7.5%, underweight 2.5% and wastingO%.A significant weight gain was observed during the 3 months period at 95% significant level but, there was no significant height gain. The food diary data disclosed that the following nutrients did not meet the Sri Lankan recommended nutrient intake. Energy 33.8%, Protein 0.01%,Calcium 4.2%, Iron 100%, Vitamin A 15% and Vitamin C 27%. Evaluation o f the volunteer leaders training depicts that the training sessions were successful. Home . visits indicated that behavioral changes were occurring in family nutrition and household sanitary along with the program. This Community Nutrition Program gives evidence that the best method to transfer nutrition and health information to the community is by implementing participatory health and nutrition programs.