Introduction: Growth and development in early childhood significantly influence lifelong well-being. Maternal knowledge of these processes is crucial for fostering optimal outcomes. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among 200 mothers with under-5 children at a pediatric OPD in Ananta Hospital, Rajsamand. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire designed to assess knowledge, and the results were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The study revealed that the majority of mothers (44%) were aged between 26-35 years. In terms of education, 24% of the mothers had primary education, while 18% had completed higher secondary or graduate-level education. A significant proportion (54%) were homemakers, and 30% of the families reported a monthly income ranging from ₹10,001 to ₹20,000. Knowledge levels regarding the subject were categorized as poor (0–8), average (9–17), and good (18–25). The findings indicated that 56% of mothers had average knowledge, 24% demonstrated good knowledge, and 20% had poor knowledge. Conclusions: Mothers displayed moderate knowledge of growth and development in under-5 children. Targeted educational interventions and booklets on child development were developed to address knowledge gaps.

Keywords: Child development, growth monitoring, maternal knowledge, under-5 children, paediatric health.

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Introduction: Growth and development in early childhood significantly influence lifelong well-being. Maternal knowledge of these processes is crucial for fostering optimal outcomes. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among 200 mothers with under-5 children at a pediatric OPD in Ananta Hospital, Rajsamand. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire designed to assess knowledge, and the results were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The study revealed that the majority of mothers (44%) were aged between 26-35 years. In terms of education, 24% of the mothers had primary education, while 18% had completed higher secondary or graduate-level education. A significant proportion (54%) were homemakers, and 30% of the families reported a monthly income ranging from ₹10,001 to ₹20,000. Knowledge levels regarding the subject were categorized as poor (0–8), average (9–17), and good (18–25). The findings indicated that 56% of mothers had average knowledge, 24% demonstrated good knowledge, and 20% had poor knowledge. Conclusions: Mothers displayed moderate knowledge of growth and development in under-5 children. Targeted educational interventions and booklets on child development were developed to address knowledge gaps.

Keywords: Child development, growth monitoring, maternal knowledge, under-5 children, paediatric health.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.