Evaluating the Effect of a Structured Teaching Program on Mothers' Knowledge of Optional Vaccination among Mothers of Children Under Five at a Selected Hassan Hospitals, Karnataka

Abstract

The objective of the research was to evaluate how well a structured teaching program (STP) may increase mothers' understanding of optional vaccinations and their benefits for children under five. The study, conducted at a selected hospital in Hassan, Karnataka, India, set out to achieve specific objectives: firstly, to assess the initial knowledge levels of mothers about optional vaccines, secondly, to determine the impact of the STP, and thirdly, to analyze the relationship between posttest knowledge scores and various demographic factors. The research was grounded in Von Bertalanffy's General System Theory, offering a conceptual framework to understand the complexities involved in knowledge enhancement through educational programs. The research followed an evaluative approach, suitable for its objectives. It used a one-group pre-test and post-test format in a pre-experimental design. A questionnaire created by the researcher was used to collect data from 50 moms whose children were under five when they were hospitalized to Rajeev Hospital in Hassan. This data encompassed socio-demographic details and the structured questionnaire. The results of the study revealed significant improvements in knowledge levels among mothers following the STP. The pretest knowledge score averaged 23.93%, which substantially increased to 70.26% post-intervention. The 't' value of 13.28 (p<0.05) signified the effectiveness of the STP in enhancing knowledge. The study also found that monthly family income was significantly associated with posttest knowledge scores, while other demographic variables showed no substantial correlations. The study underscores the importance of further interventions to enhance the knowledge of mothers with young children regarding optional vaccines. To increase awareness and knowledge among this target population, it suggests educating mothers about certain vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, influenza vaccine, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, cholera vaccine, varicella vaccine, Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and hepatitis A vaccine.

Keywords:    Maternal Awareness, Structured Teaching Program (STP), Optional Vaccination, Von Bertalanffy's General System Theory