The Study of Thai Child Development Holistic Model: The Evaluation of Iron Supplement Policy in Thai Childhood 2018

Abstract

The evaluation of iron supplement policy in Thai childhood is a part of the study “Thai Childhood Development holistic Model”. This descriptive study used CIPP Model in order to evaluate the result of Iron Supplement Policy in Thai children between ages 6 months to 5 years. The samples were selected by multi–stages cluster sampling t into 3 levels; province, district and sub-district. The research instruments were Semi-Structured Interview and In-depth interview to 624 volunteers who were directors, service providers and client group between March-May 2018. Data were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis on CIPP Model. The results showed that 1) Context Evaluation: All levels of directors and service providers agreed the iron supplements policy support the children to be healthy and have a good development. The practitioners have been conveyed the guidelines for dispensing iron supplementation by official correspondence in MCH Board and Planning & Evaluation Board to all levels service providers. Some clinics have not dispensed iron supplements due to unknow the policy and clear guidelines. All hospitals purchase iron supplements by prevention and promotion budget of National Health Security Office. Child caregiver lacks of understanding and awareness for childhood necessity iron supplements. 2) Input Evaluation: Almost of directors and service providers knew the dispensing iron supplements stay in set of iron supplements benefits but encountered the problem of drug purchasing, management, tracking and monitoring. In 6 months–2 years; the health volunteers followed up the child caregiver to receive iron supplements at clinic. In 3-5 years; the childhood received iron supplements at child care center. 3) Process Evaluation: Most clinics could not dispense iron supplements for service recipients, lack of clear operational guidelines, data collection and analysis of child anemia in the area. Child caregiver do not know the benefits and dosage of iron supplement in each ages. The size of the packaging of iron supplement were not suitable for the duration of the dosage. 4) Product Evaluation: Most of directors and service providers unknow iron supplementation situation, no report and no follow up in the area. Some children not received iron supplements. The children was not covered by iron supplements and the taste of iron supplements as a problem.