Outcome Evaluation of Growth Through Nutrition (GTN) program in Gimbo District, Kaffa Zone, South- West Ethiopia region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: The single leading cause of child mortality and the most serious health issue in the world today is malnutrition. It is a significant health issue for Ethiopian women and children (including evaluation area). A multi-sector nutrition program called Growth through Nutrition (GTN) attempts to hasten the decline in malnutrition. Evaluation was carried out during implementation, and a majority of them placed a greater emphasis on process evaluation. Different groups implemented various measures to prevent malnutrition, but the results of these efforts were not assessed. Therefore, the focus of this evaluation is on the program's outcome. Method: A quasi-experimental design with simple random sampling techniques was deployed. The ratio of program and control group was 1:1. The evaluation data collection was done from June 24–July 14, 2022. The approach of this evaluation was a summative approach, the focus was outcome and dimension was effectiveness coverage. A non-program district with HEW and health post during the program’s implementation period that is not adjacent to the district where the program is being implemented. Data was coded and entered into SSPSS version 23 for analysis after verification. To evaluate the data and show the results, descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were utilized. Result and discussion: This examination had 384 evaluation participants in total, with a 91% response rate. With results of 89% and 76%, respectively, the proportion of mothers in the program district who are knowledgeable about maternal and child nutrition was 13% higher than in their non-program district, which has statistical significant association (P=0.000). In program district, compared to non-program district, where it was 62% and 45%, respectively, the percentage of mothers who provide a balanced diet for maternal and child nutrition has increased by 17% (P=0.000). Conclusion and recommendation: Overall, there was good improvement in mothers' knowledge gaps on maternity and child nutrition between program participants and non- participants. Practice revealed very positive improvements. Stockholders should concentrate on enhancing and broadening the indications that result in improvement. Reconsidering an indicator that has not improved is necessary