Main Article Content
A Survey of nutritional activities in primary health centers in Sub-Saharah Africa
Abstract
Objective: A descriptive study of available nutritional activities in the Primary Health Centres to inform the development of nutrition policy.
Study design / Methods: A descriptive study of randomly selected nine local government areas (LGAs), between September 2005 and January 2006 and involving 300 community members, 71 state policy makers and 102 primary health workers.
Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used for r data collection.
Results: The main sources of nutritional information are Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Mass media and schools ie 50%, 46.4% and 37.7%
respectively. The main nutritional activities carried out at the PHCs include growth monitoring and promotion 93.1%, exclusive breast feeding
93.1%, nutritional education 90%, family planning 87.3% and distribution of information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials 57.9%.
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT), micro and macronutrient nutrient deficiency control are found in 29.4% and 45.1%, respectively.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a huge gap in the nutritional activates in the PHCs.
Recommendations: The authors recommend extensive capacity building for all health workers on nutrition and establishing of overarching policy
guidelines and protocols.
Study design / Methods: A descriptive study of randomly selected nine local government areas (LGAs), between September 2005 and January 2006 and involving 300 community members, 71 state policy makers and 102 primary health workers.
Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used for r data collection.
Results: The main sources of nutritional information are Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Mass media and schools ie 50%, 46.4% and 37.7%
respectively. The main nutritional activities carried out at the PHCs include growth monitoring and promotion 93.1%, exclusive breast feeding
93.1%, nutritional education 90%, family planning 87.3% and distribution of information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials 57.9%.
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT), micro and macronutrient nutrient deficiency control are found in 29.4% and 45.1%, respectively.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a huge gap in the nutritional activates in the PHCs.
Recommendations: The authors recommend extensive capacity building for all health workers on nutrition and establishing of overarching policy
guidelines and protocols.
