Volume : 4, Issue : 9, September - 2015

Awareness of Women on Child Care Practices in Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu

N. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. G. Dhanasekaran

Abstract :

<p>Health seeking behaviour of parents for the child is influenced by a large number of factors apart from knowledge and awareness. Objective: To study the awareness level of women on child care practices in Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 54 coastal villages with 500 respondents selected randomly. Descriptive research design was used for the study. Interview schedule was used for data collection. Major findings: Nearly two third of the respondents (65.2%) belongs to Hindu religion and one third belong to Christianity (34.8%). Majority of the respondents (87.4%) are literate. A majority of them are literate (87.4%), unemployed (80.4%) and living in nuclear family (90.4%). 6.2% of women are aware of initiating east feeding within 30 minutes. Majority of them are aware of Diarrhoea and ARI. The treatment taken was less in proportion: i.e 16% for diarrhoea and 18% for ARI. Private hospital is the major source of treatment. Conclusion: It is suggested to generate awareness to women and family members and sensitise the women and community to generate demand for treatment of these diseases. The Govt should take efforts to improve the quality of services at Govt health facilities.</p>