A study to assess the knowledge on shaken baby syndrome among care givers of young child in MCH centre, Tirupathi

Introduction: Shaken baby syndrome is a serious brain injury caused by forcefully and violently shaking a baby. The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome reported that > 500 shaken baby syndrome cases, either fatal or nonfatal, occurred in the U.S., the District of Columbia, 2013-2014.Objective: To assess the level of knowledge on shaken baby syndrome and its prevention among care givers of young child. Design: Descriptive research design was used. Participants: 100 care givers of young child were selected using Convenient sampling technique in Para area of MCH centre Tirupathi. Tool: Structured Questionnaire with 10 questions was used to assess the level of Knowledge of care givers of young child regarding shaken baby syndrome. 10 dichotomous questions used to assess the level of Knowledge on prevention of Shaken baby syndrome among care givers of young child. Results: The findings of the study revealed that 45%(45) had inadequate knowledge, 26%(26) had moderate knowledge and 29% (29) had adequate knowledge on shaken baby syndrome, 14%(14) care givers of young child had inadequate knowledge , 36%(36) had moderate knowledge and 50% (50) care givers adequate knowledge on prevention of shaken baby syndrome. Conclusion: The care givers of young child having moderate knowledge on shaken baby syndrome and its prevention. The nurses in the hospital should work out a plan for educational programmes based on their level of knowledge. A wide spread network should be provided, which should focus on the improving the knowledge of shaken baby syndrome. The study will help the health care personnel to conduct health education session for care givers of a child on shaken baby syndrome and its prevention.