ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To field test the Individualised Color Coded Any Day (ICCAD) growth monitoring charts at primary health care level in three districts of Maharashtra. METHODS: The present study was conducted in three districts of Maharashtra - Pune, Satara and Kolhapur and included newborns with weight ≥ 1500 g born during 1st May 2010 to 30th July 2011. Talukas were matched based on mortality and coverage indicators and put in study (ICCAD use) and control area (ICCAD non-use) from every District. Health centres were selected from each taluka where facilities of expert obstetric and pediatric services did not exist but number of deliveries conducted was high. Data was collected during neonatal period. Three patterns of ICCAD charts; 1500 g to 1999 g, 2000 to 2499 g and ≥2500 g; developed from daily weight record of 430 newborns for 30 d were used. Outcome measures were neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and weight gain in study and control groups. RESULTS: There were 6705 live births from study and 6341 from control area. The NMR of study area (6.3/1000 live births) was significantly lesser as compared to control area (10.6/1000 live births). Birth weight group specific NMR of birth weight between 1500 to <2000 g and ≥2500 g was significantly lower in study area as compared to control area. There was improvement in mean gain weight of 15 g, 43 g and 89 g for respective birth weight groups in ascending order. CONCLUSIONS: This innovative appropriate technological tool based on translational research of ICCAD neonatal growth monitoring charts appears to have benefited the decision of type of care.
