An exploratory study to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding nutritional needs of children

The study was conducted to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding nutritional needs of children in a selected hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding nutritional needs of children with a view to find out the deficit areas and prepare guidelines on nutritional needs. Non experimental exploratory research design was used in the study. The data was collected from 100 mothers using purposive sampling technique whose children were in the age group of 1–5 years. A structured interview schedule was used for data collection. The conceptual framework was based on Three Phase Theory by Fitts and Posner (1967). Data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that majority of mothers (89%) had average level of knowledge, few (9%) had below average level of knowledge and minimum number of mothers (2%) had good level of knowledge. The conclusion of the study revealed average level of knowledge among majority of the mothers regarding nutritional needs of children. Hence, to improve the nutritional status of the child, it is very important to develop a guideline on nutritional needs of children so as to make the mothers aware of the nutritional needs of children.