Performance of Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers: A Case Study from Chhattisgarh, India

High prevalence of malnutrition across India poses a significant obstacle to achieving desirable child health outcomes. For addressing childhood malnutrition, the government of Chhattisgarh during 2010-2014 established Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs) in selected health units for the timely, adequate, and appropriate feeding of children, and for improving skills of mothers and caregivers on age-appropriate caring, counseling, and growth monitoring. This study examined the functioning of NRCs in three districts; assessed perception of mothers and carers of children admitted in the NRC; and assessed the perspectives of service providers.

Four out of 46 NRCs were purposively chosen. Monthly performance reports of 2012-2014 were reviewed. Fifty mothers/carers of under-five children were interviewed; and ten in-depth interviews were conducted with the service providers. Descriptive statistics, co-relational, and regression models were used for data analysis; qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Vacancy of staff ranged from 7.4% to 70%. The mean age of children during admission was 23.8 ± 6.2 months. The mean percentage weight gain was 11.6%, whereas the mean duration of stay in the NRC was 10.7 ± 3.5 days. Weight gain was directly related to the weight during admission. Follow-up visit and follow-up card issuing, counseling to mothers, special diet preparation, timely receipt of incentives, and training on diet preparation needed immediate attention.

Regular review and supportive supervision could play a crucial role in improving the quality of services. The awareness level and expectation of mothers could be improved through NRC-based education and outreach services.