Effectiveness of an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Programme on Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Recognition of Developmental Milestone Delays Among Infants in Selected Rural Areas of Fatepura Taluka, Dahod District: A
Keywords:
Pilot study, developmental milestones,, infant development, IEC programme,, mothers, developmental delay, knowledge, attitude, practice.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.
