Effectiveness Of Self-Instructional Module On Knowledge And Practices Regarding Immunization Among Anganwadi Workers In Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh
Keywords:
Self Instructional Module, Immunization, Anganwadi workers, ICDS...Abstract
INTRODUCTION:Children form a significant and valuable segment of the population and require special attention to maintain their health and well-being. Unlike adults, children undergo continuous physical, mental, and emotional development, making them more vulnerable to various diseases and health-related challenges. Preventive health measures play an important role in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.
Immunization is recognized as one of the most effective and economical public health interventions for protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases. It contributes significantly to reducing child mortality and improving the quality of life. Successful implementation of immunization programmes depends largely on the awareness and involvement of community-level health workers.
Anganwadi Workers, functioning under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, serve as frontline workers in promoting maternal and child health services. In Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, they actively participate in community mobilization, health education, growth monitoring, and immunization activities. Their knowledge and practical competence regarding immunization are essential for ensuring adequate vaccination coverage among children.
Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a Self-Instructional Module (SIM) in improving the knowledge and practices of Anganwadi Workers regarding selected aspects of immunization.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:To assess the existing knowledge of Anganwadi Workers regarding selected aspects of immunization.
To assess the existing practices of Anganwadi Workers regarding selected aspects of immunization.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the Self-Instructional Module on knowledge regarding immunization.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the Self-Instructional Module on practices regarding immunization.
To determine the association between knowledge and practice scores with selected demographic variables.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Research Design
A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted for the study.
Setting of the Study
The study was conducted among Anganwadi Centres located in selected areas of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh.
Population
The target population comprised Anganwadi Workers working under the ICDS programme in Kangra District.
Sample and Sampling Technique
.
A sample of 100 Anganwadi Workers was selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique.
Data Collection Tools
The following tools were used for data collection:
Section A: Demographic Profile of Anganwadi Workers.
Section B: Structured Knowledge Questionnaire regarding Immunization.
Section C: Self-Reported Practice Checklist regarding Immunization.
Intervention
A Self-Instructional Module was developed based on identified learning needs. The module included information related to:
Importance of immunization
National Immunization Schedule
Vaccine-preventable diseases
Cold chain maintenance
Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)
Responsibilities of Anganwadi Workers in immunization services
Data Collection Procedure
After obtaining necessary permissions, the pre-test was conducted among the participants. Following the assessment, the Self-Instructional Module was distributed and explained to the participants. A post-test was conducted after a specified period to assess changes in knowledge and practices.
Statistical Analysis
The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Paired t-test was used to compare pre-test and post-test scores, while ANOVA was used to determine the association between study variables and selected demographic characteristics.
RESULTS
Knowledge Scores
The findings revealed a substantial increase in the knowledge level of Anganwadi Workers after exposure to the Self-Instructional Module. The mean knowledge score increased from 24.50 in the pre-test to 29.94 in the post-test.
Practice Scores
An improvement was also observed in the practice scores of participants. The mean practice score increased from 21.15 during the pre-test to 22.85 in the post-test.
Effectiveness of Self-Instructional Module
The calculated paired t-test value demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores. These findings indicate that the Self-Instructional Module was effective in enhancing the knowledge and practices of Anganwadi Workers regarding immunization.
Association with Demographic Variables
A statistically significant association was found between knowledge scores and selected demographic variables such as marital status and number of children (p ≤ 0.018). No significant association was observed with other demographic variables.
DISCUSSION
The study findings suggest that educational interventions such as Self-Instructional Modules can significantly improve the understanding and practical competencies of Anganwadi Workers regarding immunization. Improved knowledge and practices among frontline workers can contribute to better community awareness, increased immunization coverage, and reduction in vaccine-preventable diseases.
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that the Self-Instructional Module was an effective educational strategy for enhancing the knowledge and practices of Anganwadi Workers regarding selected aspects of immunization in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. The participants appreciated the educational intervention and expressed the need for additional training programmes involving demonstrations, audiovisual aids, and structured teaching sessions. Continuous capacity-building programmes should be organized to strengthen the role of Anganwadi Workers in promoting immunization and child health services.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Similar studies can be conducted on a larger sample size.
Regular refresher training programmes should be organized for Anganwadi Workers.
Multimedia-based educational interventions may be used to improve learning outcomes.
Comparative studies can be conducted between rural and urban Anganwadi Workers.
Follow-up studies may be undertaken to assess long-term retention of knowledge and practices
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