Process Evaluation of the Nutrition Programme at Saint Gregory Catholic Hospital in Buduburam

Abstract

Introduction: Child nutrition is key to the growth and development of every nation and so it has become imperative that nutritional interventions are put in place to improve the nutritional status of children especially those below five years. Though nutritional interventions including therapeutic and supplementary feeding programmes are temporary, they are able to fill a gap by preventing or reducing malnutrition incidence. Objective: The main aim of this study to conduct a process evaluation of the Nutrition Programme to determine if the programme was delivered as designed in Buduburam. Methods: This study employed mixed methods involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches to address its objectives. Thus, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among those providing nutrition services at the St. Gregory Catholic Hospital in Buduburam. Key informant interviews were conducted for managers of the Nutrition programme to gain understanding of the nutrition programme and its implementation. Descriptive statistics involving quantitative data was conducted using STATA software (version BE 18.0). Qualitative data were transcribed, coded and put in themes and patterns. Results: The study found that equipment for anthropometric assessment were available. Foods used for nutritional rehabilitation including RUTF and corn soya blend were available. Most indicators of the Nutrition programme failed to meet the standard. Staff providing nutrition services were trained on case management of malnutrition. Health staff of the programme adhered to counseling principles. Inadequate funding, poor knowledge, stigmatization and distance were identified as some barriers to implementing the Nutrition programme. Participants said making funds available, providing continuous education and counseling to caregivers, and making nutrition services available during outreach served as enablers of the Nutrition programme. Conclusion: Even though certain factors impeded implementation of the Nutrition programme, the programme was implemented well and staff had the capacity to implement the programme.