Knowledge and Practice Regarding Hand Washing among Mothers of under Five Children in Selected Community Area, Dehradun

The hands are central to many of our daily activities and the infected hands are a common vehicle for the spread of infection. Insufficient hand washing is thus an important factors contributing to the spread of infection. Hand washing with soap and water is one of the most effective measures against infectious disease. So this study was conducted (1) to assess the knowledge and practice of mothers of under five children regarding hand washing (2) To find association between level of knowledge and practice with socio-demographic variables of mothers of under five children regarding hand washing (3) To correlate the knowledge score with practice score of mothers of under five children regarding hand washing. Methodology Quantitative research approach was adopted for present study. Total 200 mothers of under five children were selected through purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by administering tool to the participants. Tool consists of socio- demographic Performa, structured knowledge questionnaire and self reported practice checklist. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The study found that most (46 %) of participants had average knowledge score. Hand washing practice was average among (41.5 %) participants. There was statistically significant association between knowledge score and education, occupation, family income (monthly), facility for hand washing (sink with tap) and availability of clean drinking water. There was significant association between practice score of the participants and education, pre-exposure regarding hand washing, child attending school. There was weak positive correlation between practice score and knowledge score. Conclusion The study concluded that there is need to improve knowledge and practice of mothers regarding hand washing. On the basis of knowledge and practice of mothers, pamphlet is developed regarding hand washing.