A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge regarding Malnutrition, its Prevention and Control among Mothers of under-Five Childrens in Selected Areas of Ratnagiri City

Malnutrition is most widespread condition affecting health of children's. Unhygienic food practices, lack of money, traditional beliefs and inappropriate diet are resulting in malnutrition. Mothers are primary care taker of children's because usually the children's depend on their mothers for fulfilling their needs. Mothers play a vital role in safe guarding their children's against many disorders. So their knowledge regarding malnutrition, its prevention and control is vital importance. Hence the investigator felt the need to assess the knowledge of under-five children's mother regarding prevention and control of malnutrition. This study examines maternal knowledge regarding malnutrition, prevention and its control. Statement: A descriptive study to assess the knowledge regarding malnutrition, its prevention and control among mothers of under-fivechildren's in selected areas of Ratnagiri city. Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge of mothers regarding malnutrition and its prevention and control among under five children's.2. To determine the association between the knowledge score with the selected socio-demographic variables. Methodology: This was descriptive study with 60 subjects, selected through convenient sampling technique. Non experimental descriptive study design was used. Data was collected by structured questionnaire. Data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistical in terms of frequency distribution, chi-square test. Analysis and result: Knowledge wise comparison of study subjects reveals the following results. In present study out of 60 subjects (0%) no one had poor knowledge, (13.33%) i. e.8 subjects had satisfactory knowledge, (55%) i. e.33 subjects? had average knowledge, (31.66%) i. e.19 subjects had good knowledge and (0%) no one had excellent knowledge. No significant association was found between the knowledge score of mothers regarding malnutrition, its prevention and control with their socio demographic variables. Interpretation and Conclusion: After analysing the study proved that mothers having average knowledge about the malnutrition and there is need to improve mother knowledge regarding malnutrition, its prevention and control among under five children's through proper health education techniques and arranging awareness programmes.