Is the Educational Function of the Under-Five Weight Chart Optimal?

Abstract

Summary: In order to evaluate the level of understanding of three different weight charts used respectively at the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesha, Somolu Clinic, Lagos, and the pre-school nutrition program, Isoya, Ife, 212 literate and illiterate mothers attending the under-five clinics at the above institutions were asked to interpret their children's charts. The general level of understanding of the charts by the mothers was poor even when differences in educational inputs were accounted for. However, weights charted as bars were better understood than those charted as lines. It is concluded that the educational impact of the under-five weight charts would be optimal is: (a) a chart is used which incorporates an even basc line, a constant weight scale, and bar-charting of the weights. (b) mothers receive constant education on how to interpret and utilize the charts.