“Effectiveness of Parental Education Programme on Knowledge, Attitude and Self-Reported Practice on Care of Low Birth Weight Babies among Mothers of LBW Babies in a Selected Hospital at Belagavi, Karnataka”.

Abstract

Background:

Low birth weight (LBW) infants are those weighing less than 2,500 grams at birth and are highly susceptible to complications such as hypothermia, infection, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays. In developing countries like India, LBW is a major contributor to neonatal mortality. Mothers often lack the knowledge and skills required to care for these vulnerable infants, especially in government healthcare settings where postnatal education is limited.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured parental education program on improving maternal knowledge and caregiving practices for LBW infants among mothers admitted to the Postnatal maternity ward of District Hospital Belagavi.

Methodology:

A pre-experimental study was conducted among 50 postnatal mothers of LBW babies in a district hospital in Belagavi. Purposive sampling technique was used. Structured tools are used to assess sociodemographic details, knowledge, attitude, and practices. A validated parental education program was implemented. Pretest and post-test scores were compared using paired t-tests, correlations and associations were analysed using Karl Pearson’s and Chi-square tests.

Results:

Pre-intervention, 76% of mothers had moderate knowledge, 90% had a good attitude and 96% had good practice. Post-intervention assessment indicates 100% of mothers had adequate knowledge and good practices, while 78% showed excellent attitude. The improvements in all domains were statistically significant (p<0.001). A weak, non-significant correlation was observed between pre-test knowledge, attitude, and practice. Education status and type of family showed significant associations with knowledge and practice levels.

Conclusion:

The structured parental education programme was effective in significantly enhancing maternal knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practice regarding LBW infant care. Integrating such programs into routine postnatal care is recommended to improve neonatal outcomes.