Integrated management of mother and child health in the region of monastir (Tunisia)

Abstract

The programme of integrated management of child health (IMCI) was established in Tunisia in 2002 in some health districts. This study evaluated the management of children under 5 years of age and their mothers using the IMCI programme in Zeramdine, a town 20 km south-west of Monastir. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 526 medical records of children under 5 years attending the Zeramdine maternal and child health centre. The study evaluated preventive and curative aspects of child health. The mean age was 21.9 (SD 16.7) months. On the curative side, respiratory diseases were the leading reason for consultation (71.2%) followed by diarrhoea (15.4%). For preventive services, physicians systematically checked the child's immunization status and height and weight on the growth charts, and screened for strabismus and anaemia. The contribution to child health of IMCI is undeniable; it allows comprehensive care of the child, develops staff skills, upgrades the health system and improves family and community practices.