A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION (URI) AND ITS PREVENTION AMONG MOTHERS OF UNDER FIVE CHILDREN, IN SELECTED COMMUNITY AREA, DEHRADUN

Aim: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with aim to assess the knowledge regarding upper respiratory tract infection (URI) and its prevention among mothers of under five children, in selected community area, Dehradun and to find out association between knowledge score of mothers regarding upper respiratory tract infection & its prevention and selected socio-demographic profile. Materials and Methods:After obtaining the ethical permission from the ethical committee a quantitative research approach with descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding upper respiratory tract infection and its prevention among mothers of under five children in selected community area of Dehradun. Total 60 mothersof under five children were selected based on inclusion criteria by using purposive sampling technique through structured knowledge questionnaire tool. The exclusion criteria for mothers of under five children were who are sick during data collection, having any chronic illness, children above five years and for children were who are physically disabled and mentally retarded children, children had URI with other disease condition. Results: In the present study revealed thatmore than (65%) mothers were between the age group of 26-33, nearly (40%) mothers were graduated andthe mother who are employed were (67%), (60%) mothers having girl child,(55%) mothers having child between 3-5 years and(75%) children were immunized up to their age. The result findings conclude that 18% (10) of mother had excellent knowledge regarding prevention of URI approximately half of 45% (27) of study participants had good knowledge 28% (17) of mothers had average knowledge and only 10% (6) of study participants had poor knowledge regarding prevention of URIThe result finding reveals that there is association between socio- demographic variables and knowledge score of mothers. Conclusion:The present study concludethathalfof the 45% (27) mothers had good knowledge regarding URI and itsprevention, 18% (10) mothers having excellent knowledge and 10% (6) mothers having poor knowledge. Thus, it is concluded that some of the mothers need training and teaching to improve knowledge regarding Upper respiratory tract infection and its prevention among mothers of under five children and decrease the childhood acute respiratory infection.