Impact of a CMAM Intervention on Demand for Other Primary Health Care Services in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malnutrition in both acute and chronic forms is a global issue responsible for as much as 50% of infant mortality worldwide. Acute malnutrition exists as both moderate and severe forms depending on factors such as access to nutritious meals and maternal care practices. Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) can be easily treated and has lesser mortality impacts compared to Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) is a community-based approach to addressing SAM and MAM. In this study, the impact of a donor funded CMAM intervention delivered through primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Katsina state, Nigeria is measured. Prior to this study, there was low utilization of these facilities due to the several factors such as transportation and communication problems, traditional conservatism, poor quality of services, and low literacy rates. A randomised sampling method was used to select and compare 5 CMAM and 5 non-CMAM facilities across the state. A test for significance for two independent groups (CMAM supported and non-CMAM supported sites) was also conducted for different categories of admissions such as antenatal care (ANC), outpatient department (OPD) and routine immunization (RI). From the result, it is concluded that the CMAM intervention increased the rate of patient access and use of PHCs within the state. The test of significance also shows significant differences between the admissions for OPD, ANC, and RI when compared to non-CMAM sites.