Perception of Kashmiri Rural Women (Beneficiaries from Anganwadi Centers) Regarding Child Health and Disciplinary Techniques Used for Young Children in District Budgam of Kashmir Region

Childcare is mostly the responsibility of mothers. Therefore, the mother's knowledge about childcare influences the nature and quality of care that is given to the child, it has also been revealed that the mothers' education has a positive impact on their knowledge and practice in child health matters. As far as immunizations is concerned today millions of children still do not have access to basic immunization and die from diseases that can be prevent ed by available vaccines. Mother's knowledge, attitude and practices play a major role in achieving complete immunization before first birthday of the child. Keeping in view the above facts present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of women beneficiaries (Nursing mothers, pregnant women and mothers of child beneficiaries (age 6months-3 years) of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centers of district Budgam, Kashmir. A sample of 600 women beneficiaries which i ncluded 300 nursing mothers (NMs) and pregnant women (PW) and 300 mothers of child beneficiaries (MCBs) was selected from four blocks of district Budgam. The tool used for collecting information was Interview schedule. The results of the study revealed that the respondents were aware of vaccination of children although they did not remember the sequence and the newly introduced vaccines. However, for another minor ailment majority preferred to consult doctor. As far as disciplinary techniques are concerned some percentage of mothers still prefer physical punishment, but the majority manage by frightening or threatening the children. Therefore, strategies to increase full awareness among the beneficiaries regarding child health and the suitable disciplinary techniques for young children a well-planned intervention is needed.