Philippine E-Journals

“NUTRI-CHIKA: Usapan Tungkol at para saNutrisyon” an inter-professional community nutrition program – a health outcome evaluation*

Jose Ronilo G. Juangco | Ramon Jason M. Javier | Januario E. Sia-Cunco | Clarita C. Penalba | John Lemuel A. Balatucan | Ingrid M. Paneda | Guillano C. Lacsamana

 

Abstract:

Introduction This study measured the impact and outcome of an inter-professional community nutrition program labeled as “NUTRI-CHIKA: Usapan Tungkol at para sa Nutrisyon.” The program was a multidisciplinary approach towards the attainment of proper nutrition for identified malnourished preschool age children in Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal. Methods This was a mixed quantitative-qualitative program evaluation. The quantitative part consisted of a longitudinal observational study design, which reviewed the data of the children who received the nutritional intervention. The qualitative study was done with a phenomenological approach, using a thematic analysis for the process and impact evaluation by means of a focus group discussion and key informant interview processes. Results There was a statistically significant increase in weight (2.32 kg) and height (3.04 cm) in terms of Z-scores. A total of 29 out of 30 malnourished children graduated with 1 to 3 degrees of improvement in their Z-scores. The program impact showed 1) overall improvement of the state of health of the children; 2) inculcation of family values, which emphasized the giving of more quality time of parents to their children, and teaching them to socialize and be courteous; and 3) better orientation of the children towards more nutritious food choices. The process evaluation focused on the positive disposition of the inter-professional collaboration and brought out transference of this attitude to the children and parents. Conclusion “NUTRI-CHIKA: Usapan Tungkol at Para sa Nutrisyon” achieved its program objectives and impacted on the family and community, improving the overall state of health of the children and providing positive disposition and family values to the participants.