A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Program on the Knowledge of Nutritional Requirements of the Toddlers among the Mothers in Selected Rural Areas of Jabalpur City (M.P.)

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of planned teaching program regarding the nutritional requirements of the toddlers among the mothers in rural areas of Jabalpur City during the year 2010–11. The conceptual framework adopted for the study was based on the general system model. The study utilized the quasi-experimental research approach with a pre-test post-test design. The data was collected from the rural areas of Panagar and Tilwaras, in Jabalpur by using the purposive sampling technique. The sample consisted of 60 mothers of toddlers. The tool used for collecting necessary data was a structured multiple-choice questionnaire. A planned teaching program was developed for enhancing the knowledge of mothers. The obtained data was analyzed by using both descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of frequency, percentage, mean, median, standard deviation, and chi-square. Sample characteristics revealed that out of 60 samples, the majority of mothers are between 18 to 25 years age group and frequency is 37 (62%). The majority of education level is up to high school and frequency is 35 (58%). The majority of mothers’ occupation is housewife and frequency is 48 (80%). The majority of family income is between ₹1500–2000 and their frequency is 60 (100%). Types of the family were joint and nuclear, 30 each (50-50%). The major findings of the study were the mean post-test knowledge scores which were significantly higher than pre-test knowledge scores, and there was a significant gain in post-test knowledge score after implementing the planned teaching program. After the findings of the study, it is concluded that women had gained knowledge after implementing the planned teaching program. So, it is imperative for mothers to prevent their toddlers from malnutrition