BACKGROUND: Zinc is now recommended as part of childhood diarrhea case management but there are concerns regarding treatment duration and perceptions of its use when given with ORT.

OBJECTIVES: This study developed and tested messages on zinc supplementation for childhood diarrhea.

METHODS: Messages were based on 1) a review of literature and product advertisements, 2) drugstore seller interviews, and 3) focus group discussions (FGDs) among 10 mothers with children six to 59 months old. Subsequent FGDs with 15 mothers consulting at a government hospital helped determine message clarity, comprehension and appeal. A behavioral trial, involving nine mothers whose children had diarrhea, tested recall of and adherence to the messages.

RESULTS: The trial tested three messages - zinc: 1) strengthens resistance; 2) is a vitamin for the gut; 3) increases the appetite of a child with diarrhea. Seven of nine mothers were able to follow instructions on zinc administration, and demonstrated recall and understanding of these messages. Mothers understood that zinc helps the child with diarrhea, improves appetite, reduces symptoms and hastens recovery, but had concerns regarding the side effects (vomiting), co-morbidities (fever, cough) and consequences of overdose. Standardized counseling cards addressed these concerns. Respondents preferred a simple logo labeled with zinc administration instructions on the packaging. Zinc supplementation did not affect ORT use.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Messages sufficiently addressed mothers concerns on zinc use during childhood diarrhea, with those on zinc improving and as a vitamin for the gu having the best recall. Results can contribute to introduction and promotion in the public sector.

Appetite ; Cough ; Focus Groups ; Aarskog Syndrome ; Dwarfism ; Hand Deformities, Congenital ; Genetic Diseases, X-linked ; Genitalia, Male ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Diarrhea ; Vomiting

OBJECTIVES: To (1) draft a comprehensive health program relevant to workers in the informal sector; (2) develop specific guidelines for the establishment of appropriate health services for informal workers, including recommended surveillance systems; and (3) formulate a mechanism for the full coverage of health insurance for informal workers integrated through the National Health Insurance system.

METHODS: Document reviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), informal surveys were conducted. The various agencies were involved from the study proposal to the final review through consultative meetings.

RESULTS: The health program for the informal sector (IS) is inadequate. Currently, the various health services of the government and its regulatory functions are not integrated to address the needs of the IS.

CONCLUSION: Hazard identification, evaluation and control with the appropriate IEC campaign aimed at behavioral modification for the informal sector and national health/social insurance service providers are the recommended steps. Tracking, monitoring and surveillance systems need to be established through local government units (LGUs), with the support of the workers' associations/cooperatives.

Social Security ; Informal Sector ; Local Government ; Focus Groups ; Aarskog Syndrome ; Dwarfism ; Insurance, Health ; Hand Deformities, Congenital ; Face ; Genitalia, Male ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Genetic Diseases, X-linked ; National Health Programs