Reception or resistance? a study on the acceptability of the new WHO-CGS [World Health Organization-Child Growth Standard] among the barangay [village] nutrition scholars of Calamba City, Laguna [Philippines]

Improved health and nutritional (H/N) status of Filipinos specifically of children is always the optimum goal of H/N workers. Growth assessment of children involves measuring their weight and height/length and comparing these to growth standards. The Philippines initially used the local standards and in 2003, the International Reference Standards/National Center for Health Statistics (IRS/NCHS) was adopted. This required retooling of guidelines, growth tables and charts and trainings of the H/N workers. In 2006, the World Health Organization released a new Child Growth Standards. This study determined the acceptability of the new WHO-CGS among the BNS [barangay nutrition scholars] to identify factors for either reception or resistance to the use of the new standards; and to establish measures to facilitate ease, efficient and effective use of the new standards. An interview was conducted among 60 females BNSs from 46 barangays [villages] of Calamba City, using a developed self-administered survey questionnaire. Their main responsibilities are monthly weighing of children, survey for family profiles, H/N education classes, assist in both supplementary feeding programs and distribution of vitamins. Most of them have already served as BNSs for six to 10 years, as volunteers, receiving an honorarium of P500.00/month while 65% are receiving other benefits and incentives. Only 15% are recipients of H/N awards. Information on community profile were also gathered. Likewise, data on the availability of health center/Rural Health Unit in their barangays, and the health/medical personnel present, the barangay budget allocation for H/N activities and H/N awards given to the barangay. Both their H/N knowledge and skills were obtained from Trainings/Seminars (T/S) attended. Only 27% had training on the Growth Reference/Standards, while 52% had the IRS/NCHS training. Although only 50% agreed on the change of standards, it is still a reception among the BNSs. They have a positive attitude, considered it part of their job and are willing to study its use and application. They are however expecting that it will be easily understood and that a training will be provided. Overall, the BNSs showed that they are for the welfare of the Filipinos, for the development of the community from the improved process and system, for their improved knowledge and provision of services, and for the improved nutritional status of the children. It is recommended that the study be duplicated in other areas once the respondents have the training on the new WHO-CGS.