Effects of a hospital-based pilot education program on breastfeeding knowledge in Santiago, Dominican Republic

Abstract

access to clean water and sanitation. High prevalence of malnutrition, anemia and growth stunting resulted in several nutritional interventions. Finally, a sustained prevalence of disease despite improved infrastructure highlighted the need for behavioural interventions and a health curriculum. Outcome & Evaluation: Between 2007-2015, the prevalence of malnutrition and growth stunting declined (height: 30.9% <3 rd percentile to 17.0% 5 th percentile, weight: 10.3% <3 rd percentile to 7.6% 5 th percentile). Similarly, scabies dropped from 35.2% to 7.2%. The prevalence of intestinal helminths slightly increased to 7.2% from 6.6%. In 2015, fifty-nine of the 517 students required further treatment and were referred to local physicians in a nearby village, sustainably engaging the population with the medical system. Going Forward: Physical exams proved to be an invaluable tool. They will continue to guide and evaluate interventions, and screen for students requiring urgent treatment until permanent local medical staff is employed. The unique bond between volunteers and students has been essential to the continued success of the project. Eager to return, all 2015 volunteers have become leaders for 2016, and will focus on the completion of water and sanitation systems and the sustainable implementation of the health curriculum.