Incorporating explanatory models in planning nutrition education programmes in Thailand

Country Report: Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Status in Mongolia

Information on the health and nutrition status of mothers and children in Mongolia was gathered during a recent consultancy supported by UNICEF in collaboration with WHO and the Mongolian Ministry of Health. Data were collected from published and unpublished documents, interviews with Mongolian nutrition and health specialists and UNICEF country representatives, and observations using rapid assessment procedures. The four main nutrition problems found were protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency, iodine-deficiency disorders, and irondeficiency anaemia. Also of great concern is an extremely high level of acute respiratory infection among young children, which may be attributable in part to the Mongolian lifestyle.

Nutrition education for illiterate children in southern Madagascar--addressing their needs, perceptions and capabilities

OBJECTIVE

A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study was conducted in three villages of Bekily District in southern Madagascar prior to the implementation of a health education programme with children. The participatory learning concept of the Child-to-Child approach was followed to involve the children in the planning and implementation of the programme, which was covered by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation.

DESIGN

To this effect, qualitative research methods such as Participatory Learning and Action techniques (focus group discussions, mapping and matrix ranking, etc.) were applied.

SUBJECTS

The survey was conducted between August and December 1999. It involved a total of 55 school-aged children (6-14 years) along with 21 mothers and 34 fathers, representing different ethnic groups and educational backgrounds.

RESULTS

The results show that children's KAP related to health and nutrition strongly reflect those of adults. They are not aware of a possible link between bad hygiene and the occurrence of diseases. According to them, diarrhoea or malaria is caused by consuming too large amounts of certain foods. Even if they know about certain elementary hygiene behaviours, they do not practise this in their everyday life.

CONCLUSION

A major objective of the health education programme for children should be to tackle the discrepancy between hygiene-related knowledge and behaviour. Through the participatory study approach the children revealed their ability to contribute to the programme development. In using appropriate communication channels, the Child-to-Child health education programme is expected to influence the health behaviours of both adults and children. The health education programme should be combined with a literacy programme to address the children's desire to learn reading and writing.