Perspectives of Mothers on Quality of Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition Services in the Wa Municipality

ABSTRACT

Severe acute malnutrition is still the main risk factor for children five years and below if not appropriately managed. The Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) has improved over the years as an effective approach in solving the problems of severe acute malnutrition in children below five years. This means that quality health care delivery is required in order for the CMAM approach to achieve the desired outcome. The study explored the perspectives of mothers on the quality of community-based management of severe acute malnutrition services in children under five years in the Wa Municipality. The Donabedian model on quality of care was used to guide the study. A descriptive exploratory qualitative research design was used. One-on-one interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide for data collection. Twelve mothers with malnourished children aged 6-59 months were used for the study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. The key findings of the study revealed that, the mothers were satisfied with the quality of CMAM services rendered since the condition of their children improved. However, the mothers failed to perceive the condition of their children as nutritional but attributed their condition to spiritual forces. Policy makers should strengthen the health systems to make the quality of CMAM services more effective in order to motivate patronage. Health education in the Municipality should be intensified to help the populace to make informed choices.