Abstract:

Worm infestation is one of the silent and prevalent diseases in developing countries, is more common among children, and can cause nutritional impairment and poor development. Knowledge of worm infestation among mothers can reduce the incidence of worm infestation and its complications in the family. Descriptive research design used. After obtaining permission, 40 samples were selected by continence sampling technique. The purposes of the study were explained, obtained written informed consent and collected the data using the tools for demographic variables, knowledge and self-reported practice about the prevention of worm infestation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The result showed that 12 (30%) of mothers had inadequate, 8 (20%) had moderately adequate and 20 (50%) had adequate knowledge of worm infestation. Regarding the self-reported practice, 14 (35%) had poor, 12 (30%) had moderate and 14 (35%) had good practice for prevention of worm infestation. There was a negative correlation r = - 0.0823 between knowledge and self-reported practice. The only association found was between the practice and the husband’s occupation, X² = 9.9943, P = 0.040523. At the end of the study, all the participants were educated about the prevention of worm infestation among children. This study concluded that a significant proportion of mothers had inadequate knowledge and poor self-reported practices regarding the prevention of worm infestation. Efforts should be focused on promoting effective preventive practices like improving environmental sanitation for the well-being of children in rural communities.

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