Worm infestations are a common health issue, particularly in children under the age of five. These infestations can lead to malnutrition, impaired growth, and various other health complications. Educating parents about prevention methods is critical for minimizing the risks associated with worm infestations and ensuring the overall well-being of children. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme (STP) on the knowledge of parents of under-five children regarding the prevention of worm infestation and its effects on child health. Specifically, the study aims to assess the existing level of knowledge among parents before the intervention, implement a structured teaching programme to enhance their understanding, and evaluate the knowledge after the intervention. Additionally, the study seeks to compare the pre-test and post-test knowledge scores to determine the impact of the STP. It also aims to explore any association between selected demographic variables—such as age, education level, occupation, and socioeconomic status—and the knowledge levels of the parents. Through this, the study intends to highlight the role of educational interventions in promoting better child health through the prevention of worm infestations. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, with a sample of 60 parents of children under five years old selected through random sampling. The participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group, which received the STP on prevention and control of worm infestations, and a control group, which did not receive the intervention. Pre-test and post-test knowledge assessments were conducted to measure the impact of the programme. The STP covered topics such as the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of worm infestations. Knowledge levels were evaluated using a structured questionnaire, and data were analysed using statistical methods, including paired t-tests and percentage analysis. Results: The results indicated a significant increase in knowledge among parents in the experimental group compared to the control group. The mean post-test knowledge scores of the experimental group were higher than their pre-test scores, demonstrating the effectiveness of the STP in enhancing knowledge. The post-test scores of the control group showed minimal improvement, highlighting the need for structured educational interventions in the community Interpretation & Conclusion: The Structured Teaching Programme was found to be an effective educational tool in improving the knowledge of parents regarding the prevention of worm infestations and their effects on child health. It is recommended that health care providers implement such programs to promote better health practices among parents and reduce the incidence of worm-related diseases in children.
Anisha et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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