A Pre-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Information Booklet on Knowledge Regarding Growth and Development of Infants Among Parents at Selected Rural Area, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Background: Infancy is a critical stage marked by rapid physical and cognitive changes. Development involves the emergence of new abilities and capacities, progressing through stages of maturity. Caregivers' understanding of growth and development aids in anticipating and addressing children's needs, detecting deviations from the norm, and facilitating early intervention for developmental issues. Therefore, present study aimed to assess impact of an information booklet on infant growth and development among parents. Method: This study utilized a quantitative, pre-experimental design to gauge the impact of an information booklet on infant growth and development among parents in Bedwas, Udaipur. The sample comprised 60 parents of children under five from the selected rural area, chosen via non-probability purposive sampling. Data collection involved socio-demographic information and a structured knowledge questionnaire, with analysis conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The pre-test showed that 56.7% had poor knowledge, while 43.3% had average knowledge. In the post-test, 68.3% demonstrated good knowledge, while 31.7% had average knowledge. Mean pre-test knowledge score was 11.20±2.98, and mean post-test score was 21.52±2.50, with a significant mean difference of 10.32 (t=21.29, df=59, p=0.001). The information booklet effectively improved knowledge on infant growth and development. Demographic variables did not show significant associations with knowledge levels among parents. Conclusion: The study concluded that the information booklet effectively enhanced parents' knowledge on infant growth and development. Understanding these changes prepares caregivers to actively guide early learning, crucial for later development. The findings emphasize the importance of educating mothers on nutrition and infant growth. Implementing educational programs can further enhance mothers' understanding of nutrition's role in infant development. Key words: Knowledge, Parents, Infants, developmental milestone, Information Booklet