Effectiveness Of Health Education On Prevention Of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections Among Mothers Of Under-Five Children In Urban Slums

Abstract

Introduction: Children’s health in early life is crucial for their development, yet Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI) remain a leading cause of illness and death among under-five children worldwide, especially in developing countries. Effective interventions like health education and improved healthcare access are urgently needed to reduce ARI-related mortality and improve child health outcomes.

Aim: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a teaching program on mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices to prevent respiratory infections in under-five children and their link to demographic factors.

Methodology: This study used a quantitative, quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of 100 mothers of under-five children in urban slums of Vadodara regarding ARI prevention. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected using a self-structured interview schedule covering socio-demographic details, knowledge, attitude, and practice related to ARI. Data collection occurred over one month with necessary permissions, using questionnaires and observations. Analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics to assess changes after the intervention. Ethical approval was obtained, and participants were informed about confidentiality, voluntary participation, and ethical safeguards throughout the study.

Result: The study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of 100 mothers of under-five children in urban slums regarding prevention of acute respiratory tract infections (ARI). Results showed significant improvements in all three areas after the intervention, with post-test scores markedly higher than pre-test scores. Age was the only socio-demographic factor significantly linked to baseline knowledge and attitude. These findings highlight that targeted health education effectively enhances mothers’ ability to prevent ARIs, supporting the importance of such programs in improving child health outcomes in vulnerable communities.

Conclusion: The teaching program improved mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices in preventing respiratory infections. Health education is key to better child health.