Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge regarding Helminthic Infestations among Mothers of Under- Five children

Abstract

Background: Worm infestation is a major public health problem. It has been estimated that more than 25% of the world’s population are infected with worms, with the major incidence occurring in developing countries. Worm infestation can be prevented by practices such as safe disposal of excreta, washing hands after defection, wearing slippers and food hygiene, washing vegetables and fruits properly before using. These can be implemented through effective education of mothers because the mother is only the person who provides the proper education to their children. Objectives: 1. To assesses the existing knowledge regarding helminthic infestations among the mothers of under- five children. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding helminthic infestation among the mothers of under- five children. 3. To determine the association between pre-test knowledge scores regarding helminthic infestations among the mothers of under five children with selected sample characteristics. Methodology: The research design used for this study was pre experimental, one group pre-test post-test design. The study was conducted at St. Philomena’s hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The sample size selected for this study consists of 30 mothers of under- five children. Non- probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the samples. The tool used in this study was socio-demographic profile and structured knowledge questionnaire. Result: In the pre-test, none had adequate knowledge, whereas 11 (36.6%) samples had moderate knowledge and 19(63.4%) of them had inadequate knowledge. In the post-test, 9(30%) samples had adequate knowledge, whereas 21 (70%) samples had moderate knowledge and none of them had inadequate knowledge. The mean post- test knowledge (24) score was higher than the mean pre-test (12.5). The scores predicted the significant difference (11.5) at p<0.05 level. The calculated “t” value was (14.66) at p <0.05 level of significance, which indicated the significant difference in the level of knowledge before and after the implementation of structured teaching program. Among socio-demographic variables; occupation of mother, type of family and source of information had association with the pre-test knowledge scores of mothers of under- five children. Conclusion: From the findings of the study, it was concluded that the structured teaching programme regarding helminthic infestations was effective in improving the knowledge among the mothers of under- five children.