A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HANDS-ON SKILL TRAINING PROGRAMME REGARDING PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF SPECIFIC UNDER FIVE CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES IN ENHANCING THE KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES AMONG PRIMARY CAREGIVERS IN SELECT

Abstract

Background: Under-five childhood illnesses remain a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in India, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Despite the existence of national health programs, knowledge and skill gaps persist among primary caregivers regarding the identification and management of common illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, otitis media, and malnutrition. This quasi-experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a structured hands-on skill training programme aimed at enhancing the knowledge and competencies of primary caregivers in selected communities of Delhi NCR. The intervention emphasized practical demonstrations and skill-based learning tailored to local needs and literacy levels. A total of 120 caregivers were selected using purposive sampling, with 60 in the experimental group receiving the training and 60 in the control group receiving no intervention. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and observational checklists before and after the intervention. The findings demonstrated a significant improvement in post test knowledge and competency scores among the experimental group compared to the control group. This study underscores the importance of interactive, community-based training models in empowering caregivers and improving child health outcomes. The results advocate for the integration of skill-based educational programs into routine maternal and child health services at the community level STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM “A Quasi Experimental study to assess the Effectiveness of hands on skill training programme regarding prevention and management of specific under five childhood illnesses in enhancing the knowledge and competencies among primary caregivers in selected communities of Delhi NCR.” OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY • To assess and evaluate the level of knowledge and competencies of primary caregivers regarding the prevention and management of specific under-five childhood illnesses. • To evaluate the effectiveness of a hands-on skill training program in improving the knowledge and practical competencies of primary caregivers in managing common under-five childhood illnesses. • To seek the association between post test level of knowledge score of primary care givers regarding prevention and management of specific under five childhood illness with selected demographic variables • To seek the association between post test competency score of primary care givers regarding prevention and management of specific under five childhood illness with selected demographic variables METHOD A quantitative quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent pre-test–post-test control group was adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of a hands-on skill training program aimed at improving the knowledge and competencies of primary caregivers in the prevention and management of selected under-five childhood illnesses. The study was conducted in selected communities of Delhi NCR, with a total sample size of 120 caregivers—60 each in the experimental and control groups—selected through purposive sampling. Pre-intervention assessment of caregivers' knowledge and competencies was conducted using a structured questionnaire and competency checklist. The experimental group then received a structured hands-on skill training intervention over a period of 20 days, covering conditions such as diarrhea, pneumonia, otitis media, and malnutrition, using demonstrations, visual aids, and supervised practice. Post-intervention assessment was conducted on day 21 for both groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests and chi-square tests, to evaluate changes in knowledge and skill levels and to determine associations with selected demographic variables. The study adhered to ethical standards with informed consent obtained from all participants. RESULTS The findings revealed a significant improvement in the knowledge and competencies of primary caregivers in the experimental group following the hands-on skill training intervention. Pre-test scores indicated that a majority of participants in both groups had inadequate to moderate knowledge and competency levels. Post-intervention assessment showed a statistically significant increase in mean knowledge and competency scores in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The training program notably enhanced caregivers' ability to identify symptoms and manage illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, otitis media, and malnutrition. Moreover, significant associations were found between post-test scores and selected demographic variables such as educational status and source of health information. CONCLUSION The hands-on skill training programme was effective in enhancing both the knowledge and practical competencies of primary caregivers in managing under-five childhood illnesses. The study underscores the importance of participatory, skill-based health education interventions at the community level. Empowering caregivers with practical, actionable knowledge can bridge the gap between awareness and effective home-based care, ultimately contributing to a reduction in preventable child morbidity and mortality in underserved urban areas.