Visits to the CPS by breastfeeding women for growth monitoring of children under 5 years of age (Study conducted at the Mbandaka Regional General Hospital)

Abstract

The overall objective of this study is to assess the uptake of the CPS by breastfeeding women for monitoring the growth of their children under the age of 5 in the Mbandaka health zone. To carry out this work, we conducted a non-probabilistic, cross-sectional, descriptive study with an analytical focus, using convenience sampling to select the study site and statistical units.

• The results show that three out of five mothers surveyed were over 30 years old, with an estimated mean age of 31.57±6.64 years.
• Nine out of ten mothers surveyed had heard of CPS.
• Nine out of ten mothers surveyed were aware of the usefulness of CPS in disease prevention.
• More than three in five mothers surveyed were aware of the benefits of the CPS in nutrition education.
• The results show a statistically significant relationship between taking a child to the CPS and the mother’s level of education and occupation.

Ultimately, this study shows that, despite a relatively high attendance rate at the CPS at the Mbandaka Regional General Hospital, shortcomings persist both in terms of knowledge of the actual objectives of the pre-school check-up and the regularity of its use. Strengthening health education activities, improving communication regarding growth charts, introducing appointment reminder systems, and bringing health services closer to communities are strategies likely to further improve attendance at the CPS and contribute to better monitoring of the growth of children under five. Finally, these findings highlight the need to pay particular attention to less educated mothers and those who are not in employment, as they represent the groups most at risk of low uptake of pre-school check-up services.

Keywords: Attendance, CPS, Breastfeeding mothers, Monitoring, Growth, Children.

Received Date: April 21, 2026

Accepted Date: May 12, 2026

Published Date: June 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/783