Assessment of performance of supplementary feeding program for under-five children in three temporary shelters in Tak province, Thailand

Abstract

To assess the performance of the Supplementary Feeding program being implemented by health agencies, as well as to identify areas that needed improvements to ensure better quality service delivery implemented in three temporary shelters among under-five children of Tak Province, Thailand. A mix method cross-sectional study including secondary data on 1,079 children aged between 6 and 59 months enrolled in supplementary feeding programs of three temporary shelters in Tak Province, Thailand, between 2009 and 2010 were analyzed and in-depth interviews were conducted with health care providers and mothers/caregivers from all three temporary shelters. Data analysis was done by using SPSS V. 16, chi-square test and content analysis. The results shows that out of 1,079 children included in this study, 51.9% were male and 48.1% were female. Similarly 57.18% were among 6-24 months and 42.82% were among 25-59 months age groups. The overall cure rate was 39.2 % (SPHERE standard >75%), defaulter rate was 15.8% (SPHERE standard<15%). There were no deaths recorded due to malnutrition. The highest cure rate was found in Nu Poh (61.7%) and lowest cure rate was in Mae La (18.1%). Highest proportion of defaulter was in Mae La and Umpiem Mai (20%) and Nu Poh (5.2%) had lowest defaulter rate. The assessment of performance of supplementary feeding programs in three temporary shelters in Tak Province has shown all outcome indicators below the SPHERE standard. Training to health workers on case management, record keeping and nutrition education and community nutrition education was suggested.