A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Worm Infestation Among Mothers of Under Five Children Selected in the Rural Community of Mangalore

Abstract

Worm infestation remains a major public health problem among under-five children in rural communities. Inadequate knowledge among mothers contributes to recurrent infections and associated complications such as Anaemia, malnutrition, and impaired growth.

The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding prevention of worm infestation among mothers of under-five children in a selected rural community of Mangalore. A pre-experimental one- group pre-test post-test design was adopted. Thirty mothers were selected using non-probability convenient sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used to assess knowledge before and after administration of the teaching programme. Content validity was established by experts and reliability was conformed using split half method (r = 0.90). The pre-test mean knowledge score was 10.16 (33.88%), whereas the post-test mean score increased to 15(50%). The mean difference was 4.84. Paired t-test analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in knowledge at p < 0.05 level. The findings indicate that structured teaching programmes are effective in improving maternal knowledge regarding the prevention of worm infestation. Educational interventions can play a vital role in reducing infection rates among under-five children in rural communities. Structured educational interventions significantly enhance maternal knowledge regarding the prevention of worm infestation. Incorporating such programs into primary health services can contribute to improved child health outcomes in rural communities.