A study about Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding worm infestation among the caregivers of children aged between 5 – 12 years in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Worm infection is a public health problem, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries as it has a negative impact on the child’s development. Proper sanitation and personnel hygiene have to be emphasized and monitored to overcome the nutritional deprivement in children. The study is done to evaluate the knowledge and attitude about worm infestation and to assess the deworming practices employed among the caregivers of children aged between 5 – 12 years attending a tertiary care hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 206 caregivers of pediatric age group after obtaining proper informed consent. The KAP parameters were assessed using a pretested structured questionnaire, and the results were analyzed. Out of 206 caregivers, 61% were mothers, 37% were fathers. Their mean age was 30 years. 41% belong to class III socioeconomic status. 23% were reported to play in the mud, 17% nail-biting and 6% keeping objects in mouth.12% Had open-air defecation practice, which is quite alarming in a developing country.67% were found to have the knowledge and 33% lacked the knowledge about worm infestation. Knowledge was directly proportional to the socioeconomic class. 88% were aware that worm infestation would cause clinical manifestations. 85% preferred allopathy medicines, while 15% preferred homemade remedy. 68% didn’t practice any prophylactic measures, where in 21% of the caregivers dewormed their kid once in 6 months and 11% once a year.  Health education, frequent monitoring, and conducting interventional programs among parents and caregivers would be vital so that the prevalence of the disease can be minimized.