A Pre-experimental Study to Evaluate a Structured Hookworm Education Plan for Mothers of Under-five in Sonamura, Sepahijala, Tripura

Abstract

Introduction: The presence of worms in the human body is a significant concern with widespread implications for global health. The global population of individuals affected with soil transmitted helminth (STH) intestinal worms amounts to around two billion, resulting in significant morbidity and distress. Significantly, these disorders can be prevented. The comprehension of hookworm infection contributes to the reduction of child mortality and improvement in children’s lives. Technology has greatly increased hookworm infection awareness. The present study investigated the efficacy of implementing a structured educational approach in enhancing mothers’ understanding of hookworm infection. The study focused on women with children under-five in Sonamura, Sepahijala, Tripura. The researchers conducted a pre-experimental study to assess hookworm awareness among mothers of children under-five in Sonamura, Sepahijala, Tripura. The study’s conceptual framework was a modified Imogene King (1971) Goal Attainment Model. Using straightforward sampling, 40 mothers were selected. Structured knowledge questionnaires assessed pre-existing knowledge. The content validity and reliability of the tool were established. The average score on the post-test knowledge evaluation was 75%, which was significantly higher than the score on the pre-test. The obtained ‘t’ value of 5.529, significant at the 0.05 level, indicates that the planned instruction curriculum was effective. There exists a correlation between demographic variables and pre-test knowledge scores. The research conducted shows that an intensive training session focused on the prevention and management of hookworm infection resulted in a notable improvement in the comprehension of mothers. This study affects nursing practice, administration, education, and research. The researchers propose conducting more quasi-experimental investigations with non-probability sampling. A large number of women in specified settings should be studied to determine how a structured education program affects their knowledge of quality care. Objectives of the Study: (i) This study examines the pre-test hookworm knowledge score of Sonamura moms of children under-fives. (ii) This study evaluates a structured hookworm education plan for mothers of children under-five in Sonamura, Sepahijala, Tripura. (iii) The study also examines the association between pre-test hookworm knowledge scores among mothers of children under-fives and demographic characteristics in selected Sonamura neighborhoods. Methodology: Study used a pre-test-post-test research was to analyze 40 moms selected by convenience sampling. Hookworm infestation data were collected using a standardized interview schedule and education curriculum. Section A contains demographic data, while Section B contains hookworm infection information. Five nurse experts, one medical expert, and one statistician provided content validity and ideas. Data analysis concluded with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Post-test knowledge score and paired t-test statistical significance were key findings. The pre-test mean was 13.35, SD 4.42, while the post-test mean was 18.88, SD 3.07, and t-value 5.529. The study found significant results (p < 0.05), rejecting null hypothesis (H01) and accepting research hypothesis (H1). The structured teaching program (STP) dramatically improved hookworm knowledge among moms of under-5s. Split-half technique tested tool reliability (r = 0.8). The findings showed the study tool was feasible and reliable. Conclusions: The chi-square test indicates a significant connection between demographic characteristics, pre-test knowledge, and family type (p < 0.05). The research hypothesis (H2) that chosen demographic variables will be associated with mothers’ pre-test knowledge score was approved.