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A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Mothers of Children (0–5 years) about Prevention and Management of Diarrhoea in a Selected Urban Slum Area of Delhi
Abstract
Introduction: Children are the future of the nation. Their healthy development is an investment in
national development and productivity. Mothers are important persons in children’s lives. Objectives:
The study was aimed to access the knowledge, attitude, and practice of mothers of children (0–5
years) about prevention and management of diarrhoea, to relate the knowledge of mothers of children
(0–5 years) with the attitude and practice about prevention and management of diarrhoea, to
associate the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers of children (0–5 years) about prevention
and management of diarrhoea with the socio-demographic variables. Methods: It was descriptive
correlational research. A structured knowledge questionnaire, attitude scale, and checklist were used.
Tool 1 had 3 parts. Part A: Socio-demographic variables; and Part B: Structured knowledge
questionnaire consisted of 15 knowledge items. Tool 2: Attitude scale consisted of 12 items on 5-point
Likert scale, practice label checklist consisted of 13 items. 200 mothers of children (0–5 years) of age
were selected by a convenient sampling technique. Data was analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistics. Results: The results showed that 80% of the mothers of children had average
knowledge level, 96% of them had favorable attitude, and 76% of them had good practice towards
prevention and management of diarrhoea. The findings of this study revealed that there was a
significant correlation between knowledge and attitude, and also a correlation between knowledge
and practice. There was a significant association between knowledge, attitude, practice scores, and
selected demographic variables such as education of mother, occupation of mother, family income,
and type of family. On the basis of the results, the guidelines were prepared, validated with experts,
and disseminated to the mothers of the children (0–5 years) selected in an urban community.
Conclusion: The study concluded that mothers are the first teacher and guides for children. After the
interview, every mother was curious to know about the prevention and management of diarrhoea so
more attention needs to be given to increase the
knowledge to develop a positive attitude and to
improve the practice about prevention and
management of diarrhoea.
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