• Miss Sonali Gokul Dighe
• Dr. Kalpana S. Kale
• Dr Rajendra lamkhede

Introduction: Worm infestations are among the most common parasitic infections worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They significantly contribute to childhood morbidity and mortality, with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) affecting nearly one-fourth of the global population. In India, the prevalence of STH ranges between 12.5% and 85%, placing many regions in moderate to high-risk categories as per WHO. Aim; The aim of the study was to assess was to assess the effectiveness of an informational booklet on knowledge regarding worm infestation and its prevention among mothers of underfive children. Methods: the design of the study was pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design among 150 mothers of under-five children in selectedvillage of Rahata Taluka Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire (15 items, reliability coefficient = 0.80). After the pre-test, an informational booklet was administered, followed by a post-test. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including paired t test and chi-square test. Results: Pre-test findings revealed that 52% of mothers had adequate knowledge, 41% moderate knowledge, and 7% inadequate knowledge. Post-test results showed significant improvement, with 71% demonstrating adequate knowledge, 26% moderate, and only 3% inadequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased from 10.09±3.01 to 11.50±2.48, yielding a mean difference of 9.43% (p ≤ 0.001). Significant associations were found between post-test knowledge scores and mother’s occupation, type of housing, child’s defecation practices, and hygienic conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The informational booklet was effective in enhancing knowledge of mothers regarding worm infestation and its prevention. Such structured educational interventions can empower mothers to adopt preventive practices, thereby reducing the burden of parasitic infections in under-five children.

Worm infestation, prevention, informational booklet, knowledge, mothers, under-five children

"A study to assess the effectiveness of an informational booklet on knowledge regarding worm infestation and its prevention among mothers of under-five children in selected villages of Rahuri Taluka", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no.e649-e653, August-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508487.pdf

"A study to assess the effectiveness of an informational booklet on knowledge regarding worm infestation and its prevention among mothers of under-five children in selected villages of Rahuri Taluka", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no. ppe649-e653, August-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508487.pdf