Assessment of Knowledge of Primary School teachers Regarding Malnutrition Among Children

Abstract

Children are the most important segments for a nation for the optimal physical, mental, emotional development of its future worthy citizens. The Present study aimed to assess the knowledge of Primary school teachers regarding malnutrition among children in selected schools of Ambala, Haryana and to determine the association of knowledge of primary school teachers with selected sample characteristics. The research approach was non-experimental with Descriptive Survey Design. The final data was collected in the month of March after getting formal permission from principals of schools of Ambala Haryana. Total enumeration Technique was used for primary school teachers. The data was collected from 50 primary school teachers by structured knowledge questionnaire. The 30 items having minimum rating score of 0 and maximum rating score of 30. Analysis was done in accordance with study. Tool was validated from seven experts and tools were found reliable. Major Findings of the Study revealed that Majority 20 (40%) of primary school teachers were from the age group 26-30 years , 36(72%) of primary school teachers were females , 28 (56%) had completed their education with B.ED ,35 (70%) were married ,31(62%) of primary school teachers were had experience less than 5year, 45(90%) of primary school teachers did not come across child with malnutrition . There is significant association of level of knowledge of primary school teachers with educational status. Maximum 28(56%) Primary school teachers were having good knowledge regarding malnutrition while 17(34%) were having average knowledge malnutrition followed by 6(10%) were in category of very good and no were having below average. Primary school teachers had good knowledge in the area of sign and symptoms of malnutrition(73%), causes of malnutrition(72%), introduction and definition of malnutrition(69%)and treatment of malnutrition(61%), while average knowledge in prevention of malnutrition(59%) and risk factors of malnutrition(51%).