Effectiveness of a planned teaching programme on mothers'knowledge regarding the prevention of protein-energymalnutrition among under-five children: A pre-experimentalstudy

Abstract

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is one of the most common nutritional problems affecting children under five years of age, particularly in developing countries. It contributes significantly to poor physical growth, delayed cognitive development, increased susceptibility to infections, and higher rates of childhood morbidity and mortality. Mothers play a vital role in ensuring proper nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, hygiene, and early recognition of malnutrition. Therefore, improving mothers' knowledge through structured educational interventions is an effective strategy for preventing Protein-Energy Malnutrition among under-five children. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a planned teaching programme on mothers' knowledge regarding the prevention of Protein-Energy Malnutrition among underfive children using a pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design. The study aimed to assess the baseline knowledge of mothers, implement a planned teaching programme, and determine its effectiveness by comparing pre-test and post-test knowledge scores. The study also sought to examine the association between post-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables of the mothers. A quantitative evaluative research approach was adopted for the study. A total of 60 mothers of under-five children were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from the participants. A pre-test was conducted to assess the existing level of knowledge, followed by the administration of the planned teaching programme. The post-test was conducted after the specified interval using the same questionnaire to measure the improvement in knowledge. The findings of the study demonstrated a significant increase in the post-test knowledge scores of mothers compared to their pre-test scores, indicating that the planned teaching programme was effective in enhancing their knowledge regarding the prevention of Protein-Energy Malnutrition among under-five children. The results suggest that educational interventions can improve maternal awareness about appropriate infant and young child feeding practices, balanced nutrition, personal hygiene, immunization, and timely health-seeking behaviour, thereby contributing to the prevention of malnutrition in children. The study concludes that planned teaching programmes are an effective educational strategy for improving mothers' knowledge on the prevention of Protein-Energy Malnutrition among underfive children. Regular health education programmes conducted by nurses and other healthcare professionals at community and healthcare settings can strengthen maternal knowledge and promote healthy nutritional practices, ultimately contributing to improved child health outcomes and the reduction of Protein-Energy Malnutrition among under-five children.