Growth Monitoring and Promotion and Index Development for Improved Child Health: A Scoping Review Using Rodgers Concept Analysis Framework

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this scoping literature review is to explore the breadth of the available literature, and identify knowledge gaps to inform future research through the use of Rodgers evolutionary concept analysis framework. The literature review also seeks to describe the key child indices developed and their characteristics so as to guide the development of a GMP index for improved child health in Zimbabwe.

Methods

The keywords growth monitoring and promotion, community health workers, caregivers of children under five years, child health indices, and index development were used to search for relevant literature from Science Direct, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and PUBMED databases in English. The initial electronic database search yielded 535 research articles, and 316 were further assessed for their relevance to the study. An additional 140 articles were excluded from the search as they did not contain adequate evidence as per the Rodgers Evolutionary Framework. After the full-text review, 80 articles out of 220 articles met the inclusion criteria. Those found to be suitable were 25 articles and were thus included in the final analysis.

Results

Key Antecedents: distance and socio-cultural constraints, CHW activeness, participation of fathers in GMP activities, poor understanding and interpretation of growth charts, poor communication between caregivers and CHWs, full vaccination status and complacency; Attributes: education status of parents, knowledge, attitude, and practices of caregivers and Consequences: timely health interventions, improved child health outcomes, a platform to promote optimal child health practices of GMP activities were identified.

Conclusion

More research needs to be explored to form indices that incorporate behaviour change metrics. This will lead to an increased evidence base to guide the health system, funders, and policy makers conclusively.