Thirty million infants are born each year in developing countries with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). A positive-deviance study asks: how do some poor families have well-nourished children when their neighbors do not? That is, what is their "deviant" behavior (Zeitlin et al. 1990). This proposal is applying the positive deviance method to primaparous mothers to alleviate IUGR which causes low birth weight (LBW) babies. The study question here is "How do some mothers give birth to healthy babies when their neighbors do not? This study will examine the rest levels of the mother, family size, maternal education, spousal support and diet and health practices around the perinatal period. Once the positive deviant behaviors have been identified, they could be introduced to pregnant women using the Positive Deviant Mothers (PDMs) along with local health workers. It is expected that these mothers will then participate to educate other mothers in their own community and serve as examples of successful mothers. Mothers with malnourished children will learn from mothers with better nourished children and who live in their own community with similar socioeconomic conditions and resources. It is a community-based model and works with the surroundings of the citizens and deals with their limitations and also their potential. IUGR is a major risk factor for mortality in early infancy. LBW is an important determinant of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal period and influences health in adult life. Vietnam, Egypt, Haiti are countries where this approach has been employed and have had successful results.
Learning Objectives: 1. After the presentation, the audience will become aware of the successful positive deviance methodology. 2. The audience will recognize the importance of utilizing local resources. 3. The audience will be encouraged to apply the principles of the positive deviance methodology to their own community development projects
Keywords: International Health, Maternal and Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.