Table 3.
Perceived acceptability of the pilot
| Theme | Quote | Respondent |
|---|---|---|
| ECD content (e.g., toys and stimulation) is of interest to district health officials | Particularly for me, what really impressed me was especially the toys [laughs…] We used to think that the toys can only be acquired from the shops, but with PATH, we have been explained that whatever we have, we could transform it into a toy for the child to play with. This is very positive and the community can do this but previous this information was not here. For us, a mother making a doll for a child was a taboo, but with this intervention, a mother can now play, there are toys for the children. This impressed me a lot. | District representative for MCH at MoH |
| Satisfaction with supervision received | We have [Dr. X] who is here and works with us directly here at the district level. He is one open person, very near to us that offers whatever support that we might need. He is always here at the health facility many times, he has been visiting various units, he also meets with me frequently, updating me of some issues he has noted for improvement in his technical backstopping role while leaving some recommendations for improvement. He also asks us to come up with solutions to certain issues that he has discovered or we have discovered on our end. [Dr. X] is very flexible and if I call him because I have an issue. | Health facility director, health facility #3 |
| Manual and screening tools are better quality | Here in ADEMO, we used to have manuals, but they were not as detailed as these ones we have received from PATH. The tools we received from PATH help us a lot because when we get to the community and discover problems around the disabled child, we are able to discover illnesses in children because the tools we are using are very explicit. Now we can make referrals for child quickly and improve the condition of that child very easily. | ADEMO provider, community catchment area #3 |
| Mothers enjoy learning about nutrition | They like hearing about how to feed your child. They always bring up the issue of child feeding during our discussions, saying that they do not have what is required to feed their children. We always tell them that it is not a matter of buying food from big shops and supermarkets for your child, you should make use of what you have at home and make it nutritive for your children. The caregivers are very engaged in such discussions. | Well-child consultation provider #1, health facility #3 |
| Satisfaction with providers’ counseling manners | I would go back to receive services from this provider because he served me well and respectfully. He even played with my son. He lifted him and made him stop crying when he was crying there inside. He never got angry with me or with my son. | Mother #1, community catchment area #2 |