A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Child to Child Approach on Knowledge Regarding Pediatric Dermatoses among Selected Institutionalized Children at Shimoga

Skin diseases are one of the major health problems in the pediatric age group and are associated with significant morbidity. The prevalence of pediatric dermatoses in various parts of India has ranged from 8.7 % to 35 % in school-based surveys. Number of studies suggested overcrowding as an important determinant of skin disease. Objectives of the study is to assess the existing knowledge of institutionalized children regarding selected pediatric dermatoses, through structured interview schedule, to evaluate the effectiveness of child to child approach on knowledge regarding selected pediatric dermatoses by comparing pretest and post test scores, to find out the association between pretest knowledge score and selected demographic variables. The conceptual framework used for the study is based on Imogene King�s Goal Attainment model. The study has been carried out in a Govt. Juvenile home in Shimoga. A total of 40 students were selected by non-probability purposive sampling method. The study adopted one group pre-test post-test design. Data collected by using structured interview schedule to assess knowledge of institutionalized children before and after the administration of child to child approach. Post-test was conducted on 7th day after the pretest, using the same structured interview schedule. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Paired�t� test was used to find the effectiveness of child to child approach and chi-square was used to find the association of pre-test knowledge score with selected demographic variables. The present study has been conducted to assess the knowledge of institutionalized children and to teach them regarding Pediatric Dermatoses. The mean percentage of pretest knowledge score was 40.7 % whereas the mean percentage of posttest knowledge score was 81.3 %. In pretest the highest percentage 77.5 % of respondents had inadequate knowledge; and 22.5 % of respondents had moderate knowledge regarding selected Pediatric Dermatoses. In the posttest 72.5 % of the respondents had adequate knowledge and 27.5 % of the respondents had moderate knowledge and none of the respondents had inadequate knowledge regarding selected Pediatric Dermatoses. The study had shown that majority of the children had inadequate knowledge on Pediatric Dermatoses; however, the knowledge has significantly improved after the administration of child to child approach, hence it was concluded that child to child approach is an effective teaching strategy in improving the knowledge of children.