MOTHER’S KNOWLEDGE ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Mother’s knowledge of child’s development is closely associated with the positive outcomes of
development of child. Mother assumes a significant job in assessing the child’s development by
identifying their appropriate milestone on observations. Objectives: To assess level of knowledge of
mothers on growth and development of preschoolchildrenTo find association between level of
knowledge of mothers and socio demographic variables.Material & Methods – A Descriptive study
was conducted among 100 mothers under 5 year’s children through Purposive Sampling Technique.
Study was conducted at Tertiary care hospital in pediatric OPD. The data collected using knowledge
questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was used. Results: Maximum subjects 51 (51 %) belong
to age group of 21-25 years. As far as instructive status 68 (68%) subjects were illiterate, 78 (78%)
belonged to Hindu religion also 80 (80%) housewife. The distribution of subjects 72 (72%) had
monthly income between Rs2000 to 5000/- whereas 48 (48%) subjects were belongs to joint family.
Majority 53 % average knowledge as well as 25 % good and 22 % had poor knowledge score.
Conclusion: The mother’s knowledge in most of the areas regarding milestone development was
inadequate. If additional information is require in the form of booklet is given regarding various
aspects of milestone development, will enhance the awareness in mothers which is helpful in
increasing the skill to identify their child’s normal development and any deviations