Effect of structured teaching programme on knowledge and attitude regarding child abuse among mothers of pre-school children in Anganwadi, Puducherry

Abuse is a serious and common problem in and around the World. A quarter of all adults have been physically abused as children. One in 5 women and 1 in 3 men has been sexually abused as a child. In the world, India has the largest number of children 375 million, covering 40% of its population, out of which 69% of Indian girls are victims of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Objectives: The study aims to assess the effects of "Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge and Attitude regarding child abuse among Mothers of pre-school children in Anganwadi, Puducherry”. Methodology: Quasi-Experimental (One group Pre-test, Post-test only design with non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data from 40 mothers of preschool children in Sedarapet, Anganwadi at Puducherry. The data were collected by the Structured Interview guide method. Result: The findings of the study revealed that in the pre-test, 32.5% of mothers had Inadequate Knowledge and 22.5% had Adequate Knowledge. In the post-test, 2.5% had inadequate knowledge and 70% had adequate knowledge. In terms of attitude, 82.5% had a desirable attitude and 17.5% had the most desirable attitude in the pre-test and the post-test result was 42.5% had desirable attitude and 57.5% had the most desirable attitude. No one was with undesirable attitudes both in pre-test and post-test. Conclusion: The study recommended that the various measures to combat child abuse are awareness of children, parents, and urging strong policy. The study concluded that Mother’s knowledge and family involvement in a child's well-being and development plays a major role in the prevention of child abuse.