TEACHING PROGRAMME IS EFFECTIVE IN INCREASING KNOWLEDGE TO PREVENT MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction: In developing countries, malnutrition among children is a major public-health issue. It is one of the most serious global risk factor for illness and death. Malnutrition during children has an impact later in life as it is associated with significant functional impairment, reduced work capacity and decreased economic productivity. Malnourished children are more likely to suffer from delayed psychological development, poor school performance and lower intellectual achievements. Aim: Effectiveness of Teaching Programme on Malnutrition and its Prevention in under-five children. Methods: Fifty children for the were enrolled through simple randomization method in this study. Results: After administration of teaching program, 92% subjects had adequate knowledge and 8% had moderate knowledge. None of the subjects had inadequate level of knowledge showing effectiveness of teaching program. Post-test overall knowledge score was significantly higher in comparison to pre-test overall knowledge score (32.20 ± 8.77 vs. 8.14 ± 10.99; P=0.01). Age, gender, nationality, family income, fathers’ occupation, mothers’ education, religion, students’ status, previous knowledge, and source of information were significantly associated with the post-test level of knowledge on malnutrition and its prevention. Conclusion: Teaching programme is effective in increasing knowledge of adolescent regarding malnutrition and its prevention in under-five children.