Communication strategies used in combating and preventing malnutrition : A case study of The Maternal and Child Clinic at Chainama Hills Hospital, Lusaka

Abstract

This report provides an account of the experiences and observations made during the practical attachment carried out by the researcher ending December 2004. The aim of the attachment was to gain experience in the communication strategies used to combat and prevent malnutrition at Chainama Hills Hospital at the Maternal and Child Health Clinic in Lusaka. It was also meant to afford the student an opportunity to learn about and contribute to the communication processes and strategies used by the clinic. ( The report reviews the communication strategies used by the communicators. It also discusses the perceptions the mothers who attend the maternal and child health clinic have on the nutrition education provided at the clinic. It further discusses the major influencing factors for the decisions mothers take in adopting any new nutritional innovations and also finds out whether information provided at the clinic is used or not, and, if used, the purpose to which it is put. The report also discusses the health and nutrition communicator's role in designing the messages. It also discusses the causes of malnutrition and ways of combating and preventing malnutrition as viewed by the mothers of children brought to the clinics.

This report is expected to enlighten the health personnel on the perceptions their clients have on malnutrition and the nutrition education provided so that they can adjust their approaches so that they are better appreciated. Lastly, the message designers are also expected to draw a number of lessons from the report so they can design better messages for their clients and use the strategies best appreciated by the clientele.