Abstract:
Background: Growth monitoring is used to assess the growth rate of a child by periodic and frequent anthropometric
measurements in comparison to a standard. However, since the practice has been poor in Ethiopia, this study aimed to
assess it and its associated factors among health workers in North Gondar zone, northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution-based mixed study was conducted from April 1 to May 7, 2017, among 500 health workers.
The multistage sampling technique was used to select participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect
quantitative data, while non-participant observation and in-depth interviews were used to generate qualitative
information. Qualitative data were coded, grouped, and discussed using the identified themes. A binary logistic
regression was fitted, odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was estimated to identify the predictors of growth
monitoring practice, and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Growth monitoring practice among health workers was 50.4% (95% CI: 45, 55). Work experience (AOR = 4.27,
95%CI: 1.70, 10.72), availability of growth monitoring materials (AOR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.05, 2.20), attitude (AOR = 0.68,
95%CI: 0.47, 0.98), midwifery occupation (AOR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.19, 0.94), and diploma level qualification (AOR = 2.20,
95%CI: 1.09, 4.45) were statistically significantly associated with growth monitoring practice.
Conclusion: In this study, growth monitoring practice among health workers was lower than those of most studies. Jobs,
educational status, work experience, attitude, and availability of materials were significantly associated with growth
monitoring practices. Therefore, giving training to health extension and less experienced staff about growth monitoring, and
providing growth monitoring equipment are important to improve health workers growth monitoring practices
