NSFP com 111 SU 7

Unit 7: Health Education Relevant to Child Development

Health Education Overview

• Definition: An active process aimed at improving and protecting health.

  • Goals:

    • Increase knowledge and skills of people.

    • Influence behavioral changes.

• Components:

  • Personal education and development.

  • Mass media information and education.

• The health education process is a component of health education promotion.

Purpose of Health Education

• Primary aim: Assist clients in making health-related decisions.

Principles of a Successful Health Education Program

• Motivation: People must want to change behavior.

• Community Understanding: Know community attitudes, values, and beliefs.

• Effective Educators: Health educators should ideally be community members.

• Communication Skills: Use language that resonates with the target audience.

• Relevant Topics: Discuss issues important to the target group.

• Community Support: Engage community leaders to enhance program success.

• Behavior Modification: Encourage gradual changes rather than overwhelming challenges.

• Active Involvement: Ensure community participation in the health education process.

• Enthusiasm: Health educators should be passionate and create engaging learning environments.

• Teaching Principles: Apply effective teaching and learning strategies.

• Self-Evaluation: Health educators should assess their teaching effectiveness.

Health Education Process

1. Assessing Health Education Needs

   • Evaluate health dimensions: biological, psychological, physical environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and health system dimensions.

   • Target group identification based on:

     • Composition (who is the audience: mothers/caregivers).

     • Size and scope (how many participants).

     • Prior knowledge and education levels.

     • Language preferences.

     • Available resources (budget).

2. Diagnosing Health Education Needs

   • Use dimensions of health from the model to guide the diagnosis.

3. Planning Health Education Programs

   • Determine topics and content to be addressed.

   • Develop clear, understandable learning goals aligned with health policies and educational needs.

   • Use sequential content and relevant teaching strategies (e.g., group discussions).

   • Prepare materials such as PowerPoints and plan evaluations.

   • Organize the venue/environment for effective delivery.

4. Implementing Health Education Programs

   • Begin with introductions (educators and evaluators).

   • Ensure comfortable interaction to ease audience tension.

   • Use appropriate language and keep messages concise (key points and repetition).

   • Maintain systematic content structure aligned with educational goals.

   • Ensure thorough preparation and effective interpersonal skills throughout the session.

5. Evaluating Health Education Programs

   • Gather feedback, encourage questions, clarify uncertainties, and maintain engagement.

6. Ending a Health Education Session

   • Summarize key points, offer availability for more questions, and encourage resource utilization.

   • Record details of the education in RTBH (a record system).

Breastfeeding

Assessment of Nutritional Status of a Breastfed Baby

• Questions to Ask:

  • Frequency of breastfeeding and additional food intake.

  • Methods of feeding.

• Observations:

  • Plot weight in RtHB and assess weight-for-age.

  • Check for weight loss and regain, and signs of thrush.

• Action Points: Assess breastfeeding technique and attachment if issues arise.

Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding (Birth – 6 Months)

• For Mothers:

  • Aids post-pregnancy weight loss and improves bonding with the infant.

  • Reduces long-term cancer risk and encourages healthier outcomes.

• For Babies:

  • Nutritionally ideal, protects against infections, and strengthens immunity.

  • Reduces risks of allergies and chronic diseases later in life.

Breastfeeding Recommendations

• Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months.

• Feed on demand, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours.

• Introduce solids after six months while continuing breastfeeding.

Correct Positioning and Attachment

• Proper hold and positioning are critical to successful breastfeeding.

• Signs of Good Attachment:

  • More areola visible above than below baby's mouth.

  • Mouth wide open, chin touching the breast, slow, deep sucks.

• Signs of Poor Attachment:

  • Baby only sucking on nipple, rapid shallow sucks.

Expressing and Storing Breastmilk

• Techniques for expressing milk and effective storage (using clean containers).

• Important practices for maintaining hygiene and safety in breastmilk handling.

Maternal Diet During Breastfeeding

• Recommended nutritious foods including protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains with plenty of water.

Replacement Feeding and Cup Feeding

Assessment of Nutritional Status for Replacement Feeding

• Check for feeding ability and attachment status, advocacy for increased breastfeeding frequency if problems are noted.

• Identify severe cases requiring urgent medical attention.

Conditions for Effective Replacement Feeding

• Ability to provide safe and sufficient infant formula.

• Supportive family environment and access to healthcare services.

Requirements for Safe Preparation of Replacement Feeds

• Adequate hygiene practices for cleaning and sterilization of feeding equipment.

Cup Feeding Technique

• Recommended method for feeding to prevent reliance on bottles, which can cause health issues.

Complementary Feeding

Guidelines for Feeding at Different Ages

• Infants (6-8 months): Continue breastfeeding, gradually introduce complementary foods.

• Toddlers (9-11 months): Increase food variety and frequency, avoid choking hazards.

• Children (1-5 years): Flexibility in feeding practices while maintaining breastfeeding.

Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

• Overview of kwashiorkor and marasmus as PEM conditions.

• Emphasis on breastfeeding as a preventive measure and nutritional education.

Prevention and Nutrient Sources

• Importance of breastfeeding and varied diets for preventing malnutrition.

• Summary of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral sources essential for child development.

Sugar Salt Solution (SSS)

When and How to Prepare SSS

• Indications for use, preparation method, and administration guidelines during instances of diarrhea or vomiting.