Mothers’ knowledge and preventive practices on hand, foot and mouth disease: a cross-sectional study in Bhubaneswar, India mothers’ knowledge and practices on HFMD

Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) represent a significant paediatrics health challenge in India, with notable outbreaks reported in Odisha. As primary caregivers, mothers play a pivotal role in implementing control and preventive measures. This study aims to examine maternal knowledge and preventive practices regarding HFMD in post outbreak and to inform targeted public health interventions. This cross sectional study enrolled 400 mothers of under-five children from Shyampur and chandaka, Khordha district, Bhubaneswar using convenient sampling. A validated self-structured questionnaire assessed knowledge and checklist for assessing preventive practices. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS statistics and Jamovi software. Descriptive statistics, independent t test, relative importance index and multi nominal logistic regression were employed to examine knowledge- practice levels and associated predictors. Rural mothers displayed significantly superior knowledge (t = -2.54, p = 0.012) and preventive practices (t = -3.43, p < 0.001) than urban mothers. Graduate level education emerged as the strongest level of sufficient knowledge (Adjusted Relative Risk (aRRR) = 6.01, 95% CI = 1.29–28.07, p = 0.023). A pronounced knowledge practice gap exist among mothers on HFMD prevention despite satisfactory awareness level. Educational level, socio economic status and geographic location significantly affect knowledge and practice outcome. Integrating specific health education into maternal and child health program with emphasis on behaviour change communication could effectively enhance preventive practices and reduce burden of disease in India.