MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION IN CHPS ZONES IN JIRAPA MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

The study was conducted in Jirapa Municipality to assess the performance of CHPS zones on maternal and child nutrition indicators. The study was a mixed method descriptive crosssectional study. The study involved all CHPS compounds in the Jirapa Municipality. Convenience sampling was used to obtain registered mothers for child welfare services at the CHPS compound. Two sets of structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, one set for CHPS compounds and the other set for mothers. In-depth interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. Bivariate tests were used to test statistically significant association between categorical dependent variables and the independent variables. All statistically significant variables from the bivariate tests were put into logistics regression models to determine their effect on maternal and child feeding indicators. The performance of CHPS zones on maternal and child nutrition indicators was determined as composite indicator. CHPS zones performance was the main independent variable while household food consumption score (FCS), minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were the main dependent variables. The result shows that most CHPS zones are inadequately resourced for maternal and child nutrition health care services delivery. The performance of most CHPS zones in maternal and child nutrition health care services delivery is inadequate. Less than a quarter of households in CHPS zones have acceptable household FCS while a little over half of children in CHPS zones have the MAD. The performance of CHPS zones on maternal and child nutrition indicators is associated with household FCS and MAD of children. Household food consumption score, dietary advices from family members and CHPS performance are predictors of MAD score of children in CHPS zones. The health care system in CHPS zones needs to be strengthened with adequate resources, regular training of community health officers (CHOs) on maternal and child nutrition and motivation of CHOs in CHPS zones.