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By: Chandra Prakash Dekhawat and Payal Sharma
1Professor cum Vice Principal, Dept. of Child health nursing, Malwanchal University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
2Guide (Supervisior), Dept. of Child health nursing, Malwanchal University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
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.
Citation:
Refrences:
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