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Research Paper | Health Sciences | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 1918 - 1923 | India
Effectiveness of Behaviour Change Communication on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Child Health among Mothers of Under-Five Children: A Sequential Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study
Abstract: Childhood morbidity and mortality remain major public health challenges in India despite improvements in maternal and child health services. Enhancing mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) through Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) may improve child health outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a BCC intervention among mothers of under-five children. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted. In the qualitative phase, focus group discussions were conducted to identify mothers' learning needs regarding child health, which guided the development of the BCC intervention. In the quantitative phase, 280 mothers of under-five children were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Baseline KAP was assessed using validated structured instruments, followed by implementation of the BCC programme and post-intervention assessment. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The BCC intervention produced significant improvements in maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to child health. Improvements were observed in key domains, including nutrition, complementary feeding, immunization, diarrhoeal disease management, pneumonia recognition, and utilization of child health services. Baseline knowledge was significantly associated with mothers' occupation and monthly family income (p < 0.05). Behaviour Change Communication is an effective community-based strategy for improving maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding child health. Integrating structured BCC programmes into routine maternal and child health services, particularly in underserved coastal communities, may enhance childcare practices and contribute to improved child health outcomes.
Keywords: Behaviour Change Communication, Child Health, Mothers, Under-Five Children, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Mixed-Methods Research
How to Cite?: Dr. Sangeetha Fredy, Dr. Divya Raju, "Effectiveness of Behaviour Change Communication on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Child Health among Mothers of Under-Five Children: A Sequential Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1918-1923, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26722110012, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26722110012