The use of RAP in the assessment of growth monitoring and promotion in north Sulawesi: Indonesia

Abstract

This paper describes the application of the RAP guidelines by RAP trained nutritionists to a growth monitoring programme in Indonesia. Different from many other RAP studies, there was only a single contact with each household. To be successful the programme required that both health personnel and mothers understand the significance of the growth curve on charts for each child and that mothers received correct and useful advice when their child's growth was faltering. The study combined direct observation at the weighing post and unstructured interviews with parents, weighing post volunteers, health center personnel, and village leaders. The method clearly identified weighing posts that were functioning well, those functioning less well, and those functioning poorly. It provided clear and practical recommendations for improvement. This study reinforces the contention that RAP should be carefully considered when rapid, relatively low cost methods are needed to help inform decision makers on how to improve a health intervention. However, the importance of solid training in RAP remains critical