EVALUATION OF INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION (IEC) INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONE ABNORMALITIES AMONG MOTHERS OF INFANTS IN RURAL AREAS

Abstract

Background:Developmental milestones are important indicators of a child's growth and neurodevelopment. Early identification of developmental delays enables timely intervention, thereby reducing long-term developmental complications. Mothers, being primary caregivers, play a crucial role in recognizing developmental abnormalities during infancy. However, awareness regarding developmental milestone delays remains inadequate in many rural communities.

Objectives:To assess the effectiveness of an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) programme on knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding recognition of developmental milestone delays among mothers of infants.

Methodology:A pilot study was conducted using a pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design among 30 mothers of infants residing in selected rural areas of Fatepura Taluka, Dahod District. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire, attitude rating scale, and practice checklist. Following the pre-test assessment, an IEC programme was administered. Post-test evaluation was conducted after seven days. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

Results:The mean knowledge score increased from 10.43±2.84 during pre-test to 21.67±2.15 during post-test. The mean attitude score improved from 31.53±4.72 to 41.80±3.56, while the mean practice score increased from 13.76±2.91 to 22.85±2.34. Paired t-test analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvement in all three domains (p<0.001).

Conclusion:The pilot study demonstrated that the IEC programme was effective in improving mothers knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding recognition of developmental milestone delays. The findings supported the feasibility of conducting the main study on a larger sample.