Knowledge and Practices Regarding Worm Infestation and Deworming Among Mothers of Under-Five Children Attending an Immunization Clinic in Srinagar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth infections affect a large number of children and continue to remain a public health concern. Mothers have an important role in identifying possible symptoms, adopting preventive measures and ensuring that their children receive deworming at the appropriate time. The present study assessed the knowledge of mothers regarding worm infestation and their deworming practices among under-five children.

Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 mothers of children aged 12–59 months attending the Immunization Clinic of department of Community Medicine SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and practices related to worm infestation and deworming. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23.

Results: Of the 150 mothers, 70.7% were literate and 71.3% resided in rural areas. Most mothers recognized that worm infestation could cause illness (79.3%) and produce signs and symptoms (86.0%). However, knowledge regarding sources and prevention was less comprehensive: 31.3% were unaware of the source of infestation. Overall, 78.7% reported having dewormed their children, but regular deworming was reported by only 42.7% and 21.3% had never dewormed their children. Rural residence was significantly associated with lower odds of recognizing unhygienic practices as a cause of illness (AOR=0.350, p=0.020).

Conclusion: Mothers demonstrated relatively good recognition of the clinical manifestations of worm infestation, but important gaps remained in knowledge regarding its sources and prevention. Targeted health education focusing on transmission and prevention, along with reinforcement of periodic deworming through existing school and community-based programmes, may help improve deworming practices.