ABSTRACT
Malnutrition is a serious health
problem affecting women during pregnancy and childbirth, which puts their
children at a greater risk of poor physical and mental developmental path. An
optimal maternal nutrition status is crucial as the nutritional status of the
infant is greatly dependent on the mother’s nutritional status before
conception and during pregnancy. This study assesses the maternal and child nutrition specific programs across
some selected Health facilities in Umuahia Metropolis. A multi-stage
Sampling technique was used to select the respondents, In the first stage,
Umuahia North and four (4) Primary health centres in Umuahia North were
purposefully selected for the study. In the second stage, the sample frame was
shared equally between the four primary health centres. A structured and
validated questionnaire was used in data collection. Data collected includes demographic characteristics of health workers working, the
knowledge of the health workers about the maternal and child health program the
maternal nutrition specific programs carried out by health workers and the
child nutrition specific programs carried out by the health workers in the
facilities. The results shows that All respondents (100%) indicated that
their health facility carries out nutrition-specific programs and all (100%)
confirmed that mothers participate in these programs. This All (100%)
respondents reported that the health facility gives out nutrient supplements as
part of the specific programs. (63.7%) mentioned that supplements are
"easily accessible, (88.2%) responded they have received iron folic acid
supplementation 53.6% responded with a “Yes” language was a barrier.
the
respondent agreed that all the children receive routine immunization and
majority receive vitamin A supplementation and deworming tablet. Based on the
challenges affecting the Nutrition specific program by the health workers, the
results revealed that lack of adequate facility in the health care facility and
Poor transport system was a majority challenge. The government and health workers
should put in effort in promoting maternal and child specific program in the
Community-based and nutrition education is essential to ensure that all mothers
are well-informed about the advantages of nutrition specific programs
-- (2024). Assessment Of Maternal And Child Nutrition Specific Programmes Across Selected Health Facilities In Umuahia Metropolis:- Iroha, Chizaram M. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Nov 26, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-maternal-and-child-nutrition-specific-programmes-across-selected-health-facilities-in-umuahia-metropolis-iroha-chizaram-m-7-2
--. "Assessment Of Maternal And Child Nutrition Specific Programmes Across Selected Health Facilities In Umuahia Metropolis:- Iroha, Chizaram M" Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 18 Sep. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-maternal-and-child-nutrition-specific-programmes-across-selected-health-facilities-in-umuahia-metropolis-iroha-chizaram-m-7-2. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
--. "Assessment Of Maternal And Child Nutrition Specific Programmes Across Selected Health Facilities In Umuahia Metropolis:- Iroha, Chizaram M". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 18 Sep. 2024. Web. 26 Nov. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-maternal-and-child-nutrition-specific-programmes-across-selected-health-facilities-in-umuahia-metropolis-iroha-chizaram-m-7-2 >.
--. "Assessment Of Maternal And Child Nutrition Specific Programmes Across Selected Health Facilities In Umuahia Metropolis:- Iroha, Chizaram M" Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2024). Accessed 26 Nov. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-maternal-and-child-nutrition-specific-programmes-across-selected-health-facilities-in-umuahia-metropolis-iroha-chizaram-m-7-2