EFFECTIVENESS OF A COMPUTER-ASSISTED PLANNED TEACHING PROGRAMME ON RURAL MOTHERS' KNOWLEDGE OF HOME-BASED MANAGEMENT OF COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN

Author Name: 1. Pushpa Bandhe 2.Jaya Chakraborty

Volume/Issue: 07/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/08.2026-63541274/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Principal, Govt. GNM Training Centre, Durg, C.G., India.
2. Professor, PG. College of Nursing, Bhilai, Durg, C.G., India

ABSTRACT

Background: Common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea, fever, and upper respiratory infections (URIs) remain major contributors to morbidity and mortality among under-five children, particularly in rural communities. Mothers play a pivotal role in providing home-based care, and improving their knowledge through structured educational interventions can enhance early recognition and management of these conditions. Methodology: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test–post-test design was employed among 100 rural mothers of under-five children in Duspur Village, Kanker District, Chhattisgarh. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Baseline knowledge regarding home management of diarrhoea, fever, and URIs was assessed using a structured questionnaire, followed by a computer-assisted planned teaching programme. Post-test knowledge was evaluated eight days after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Z-test and Chi-square test, were used for data analysis. Results: The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 41.06 ± 3.97 in the pre-test to 58.59 ± 1.42 in the post-test (Z = 41.58, p < 0.001). Post-intervention, all participants (100%) achieved an excellent level of knowledge, indicating the effectiveness of the educational programme. Significant associations were observed between baseline knowledge and selected environmental factors. Conclusion: The computer-assisted planned teaching programme significantly improved rural mothers' knowledge regarding home-based management of common childhood illnesses. Integrating technology-assisted health education into community nursing and primary healthcare services may strengthen maternal caregiving practices and contribute to improved child health outcomes in rural settings.

Key words: Under-five children, rural mothers, home-based management, computer-assisted planned teaching programme, diarrhoea.