Assessment of IMCI Management of Undernutrition and Anemia in an Urban MCH Center; Assiut City

Introduction: Since Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) program was implemented as a part of child health services in Egyptian Ministry of Health, it has a well evident impact on reduction of childhood mortality. However, the details of IMCI management process have not been assessed. Objective: This study aimed to assess the IMCI management of undernutrition and anemia as well as knowledge and satisfaction of children care givers on provided services. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in an urban maternal and child health center in Assiut city. An exit interview with the caregivers of 242 children who reported child undernutrition or anemia was administered. Results: The results revealed that, the most common child illnesses were as follow; anemia 84%, and anemia with upper respiratory tract infection 12%. Most of child’s caregivers reported good performance of physicians regarding providing the diagnosis, prescribing the treatment and the way of giving it. However, child caregivers complained that the physicians missed the provision of a follow up schedule, type of feeding during illness and signs and symptoms indicated for immediate return to MCH center. Most of child caregivers had good knowledge about undernutrition and anemia. More than 90% of child caregivers were satisfied with the provided IMCI services. Conclusions and recommendation: The majority of child caregivers were satisfied with provided IMCI services. Health care providers should inform the child caregivers about the schedule of follow up, type of feeding during illness and signs and symptoms indicated for immediate return to MCH center.