Background: Approximately 6 million children under the age of five die every year, and
around 45% of these deaths are estimated to be directly linked to malnutrition. Zambia has
among the highest prevalence’s of malnutrition in the world. Growth Monitoring and
Promotion (GMP) is carried out worldwide as a strategy to tackle malnutrition and functions
as a key element in Zambia´s pursuit for better child health. Little is known about nursing
staff´s experiences of working with GMP.
Aim: The aim of the study was to describe nursing staff´s experiences of working with
children’s Growth Monitoring and Promotion in Zambia.
Method: The study was carried out as a descriptive qualitative study. Semi structured
interviews were used for data collection and the material were analysed using qualitative
content analysis.
Result: The following six categories were found: Important tool, provides a comprehensive
approach to child health, critical role of health workers recognized, resource demanding tool,
program consistency required and rewarding for the nursing staff.
Conclusion: GMP was perceived as important and can serve as a platform for other child
health interventions to be carried out. The cooperation between the nursing staff and
community health workers were found to be essential for GMP to work. Resources and
consistency are required if GMP is to function sufficiency.