Evaluation of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) surveillance system Thailand 2002.

This study aims to describe the current practice on growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) system in Thailand, identify its constraints and recommend appropriate solutions. In the four provinces studied, 80 health centres were systematically selected. A total of 80 health officers, 183 health volunteers and 1,200 caretakers were interviewed and tested for GMP knowledge and practices. One-fourth of the health officers and half of the volunteers did not understand the objectives of the GMP. More than half of the health officers and volunteers did not have the skill to weigh properly. About half of the volunteers could not plot and explain the growth chart correctly. Only 40% of the caretakers understand the growth chart. Documentation of weight on child health card is lacking. We recommend adequate trainings and supervisions for health officers and volunteers, revised GMP guidelines to enhance integration with other programmes, and a study to identify the effectiveness of the GMP.