Knowledge regarding prevention of worm infestation among mothers of under five children: a rural community-based study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20254021Keywords:
Knowledge, Prevention, Worm infestation, Mothers, Under five childrenAbstract
Background: Worm infestation poses a significant public health challenge in developing countries, particularly among children, due to poor living conditions and inadequate hygiene practices. In developing nations, helminthic infestations are a major contributor to the global disease burden, leading to malnutrition, developmental issues, and iron deficiency anemia in young children. Poor socio-economic conditions and lack of proper sanitation contribute to the high prevalence of worm infestations among children in developing countries, impacting their health and development. Worm infestations are a significant health concern in developing countries, affecting children's nutrition, development, and overall well-being, with a substantial proportion of children at risk. In regions like Assam, the high prevalence of parasitic intestinal worm infestations among children aged 1-4 years underscores the need for targeted interventions to address this public health issue. Aim was to assess the level of knowledge regarding prevention of worm infestation among mothers of under five children and to find the association between knowledge with selected demographic variables.
Methods: Purposive sampling was adopted in a descriptive study design for 60 mothers of children under five in Lakhara, Guwahati. A structured knowledge questionnaire served as the study's instrument. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis.
Results: Majority of the mothers had inadequate level of knowledge (50%), moderate practices (35%) and adequate (15%) regarding worm infestations. There was statistically significant association found between level of knowledge and demographic variables such as educational qualification, family income, type of house and dietary pattern at p<0.05 level.
Conclusions: Research hypotheses stated were accepted. It was concluded that there is a need to improve the knowledge with regard to prevention of worm infestation. Hence, health education pamphlet was prepared.
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