Primary Health Care Workers' Role in Monitoring Children's Growth and Development in Nigeria, West Africa

Introduction: The success of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) depends on the knowledge and expertise of the PHC workers. This study is therefore aimed at assessing PHC workers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding monitoring growth and development in Nigerian children. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study; the population size was 3,105 PHC workers. Questionnaires were self administered by 372 respondents in 10 Health Centres in 10 Local government areas in Osun State, Nigeria. Results: Though the PHC workers’ awareness about GMP was high (95.2%), their knowledge of the procedures was however poor with only 49.2%, 30.6% and 29.3% knowing the regularity of growth monitoring for children at 0-1 year, 1-2years and 2-5years of age respectively. Furthermore, 37.1% did not know at what point on the growth chart is intervention necessary vis-a-vis the appropriate advice to give the mothers and the care to be instituted. Conclusion: Despite a high level of awareness about GMP, a poor knowledge of the procedures and its interpretation was observed. Training and re-training of PHC workers at all levels in Nigeria is hereby recommended.