Experience of Public Health Midwives as Nutrition Counselors for Mothers/ Care givers on behalf of Children aged 6-36 Months in Eastern

Abstract

Knowing the clients is the central aspect of health care practice. This study aimed to explore the essences of the lived experience of Public Health Midwives (PHMs) as primary care givers to the children and nutrition counselors to mothers/ Care givers. The methodology of the study was interpretive phenomenology informed by Heidegger. There were three Focus Group Discussions (FGD) involving six PHMs in each FGD. Altogether, eighteen PHMs participated in the in-depth experiential conversations using an FGD guide. The discussions were video and audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis and interpretation were carried out according to van Manen (1990).Four major themes have emerged through the interpretation process. The themes are, (1) habit of fast food, (2) busy life of mothers/care givers and (3) lack of knowledge among mothers/care givers (4) lack of health care personnel. A sub theme critical financial situation was also emerged under the theme busy life of mothers/care givers and another sub theme interference of mother-in-laws in child nutrition was emerged from within the major theme, lack of knowledge among mothers/care givers. The study is quite specific to eastern province of Sri Lanka, where the nutritional status of the children aged 6-36 months is lower than the average level during the study period. The findings of the study will be helpful to the health care personnel in the eastern province; in planning and providing the best care to the children aged 6-36 months and nutrition counseling in the future.