Health measurements, numeracy, and development

Growth monitoring was introduced in the 60's and spread throughout the South in the 70's. In the 80's cost benefit analysis showed that, unlike immunisation and oral rehydration, it had no influence on nutrition levels or mortality. The reason became apparent in discussion with those concerned with primary education. Graphic representation of number was not taught in primary schools and was not understood by a majority of health workers including some doctors. This situation was altered with the introduction of a simple method of weighing - the Direct Recording Scale [DRS]. When the mother releases the weight of her child into the trousers below the scale she sees a large spring stretch up her child's chart which has been placed in the scale. She then introduces the next point on her child's growth curve with a ball pen through a hole in the pointer at the top of the spring. She can then compare this with entries made in previous months [moons]. Totally unschooled mothers and grandmothers come to understand faltering in growth and will take action. If simple low-cost technology such as the DRS can lead to apparent appreciation of something as complex as a line graph it suggests that other measuring devices may also help in the understanding of practical numeracy and empower the mothers and families to take action. These low cost technologies may include: Height measures in schools. Mid upper arm insertion circumference tapes. Pubic - Fundal Height measures which give graphic representation of growing foetus. Thermochromatic thermometers, reusable costing only pence. ThermoSpot. A black 12 mm disc stuck on new born infants which changes to a green smiling face if >35.5/spl deg/C. Anaemia-check. Blotting paper method of checking haemoglobin accurate to 1 gm. Two ended spoon for home measurement of sugar and salt for oral rehydration.