"A Study To Assess The Effectiveness Of A Structured Teaching Program On Knowledge Regarding Home Based Care Of Intellectual Disabled Children Among Caregivers In Selected Special School."

Background: Intellectually disabled children require continuous care, often provided at home by caregivers who may lack adequate knowledge and skills. This deficit contributes to increased caregiver burden and suboptimal child outcomes. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on home-based care of intellectually disabled children among caregivers in selected special schools. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 60 caregivers selected purposively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge in areas such as nutrition, hygiene, behavioral management, safety, and emotional support. After baseline assessment, a structured teaching program was administered. Post-test was conducted after two weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean post-test knowledge scores were significantly higher than the pre-test scores (p < 0.05), indicating the effectiveness of the structured teaching program. Significant associations were found between post-test knowledge and caregivers’ education level and caregiver-child relationship, while age and gender showed no association. Conclusion: The structured teaching program effectively improved caregivers’ knowledge of home-based care of intellectually disabled children. Integration of such educational interventions in special schools is recommended.