A study to assess the knowledge regarding hand, foot and mouth diseases [HFMD] among mothers of under five children at selected urban slum area of Surat city with a view to develop an information booklet

Background: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common, highly contagious viral illness that mainly affects young children. Adequate parental knowledge is essential for early recognition, appropriate home care and prevention of transmission.
Aim: To assess knowledge regarding HFMD among mothers of under-five children in a selected urban slum area of Surat city, and to examine its association with selected demographic variables.
Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive survey was conducted among 250 mothers of under-five children, selected by non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured 26-item knowledge questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used for analysis.
Results: Out of the 250 mothers, 160 (64%) had poor knowledge, 90 (36%) had average knowledge and none (0%) had good knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 10.64 ± 5.56 out of 26. Knowledge was highest for transmission (57%) and lowest for complications (26%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with education, occupation, religion and number of children.
Conclusion: Most mothers had poor knowledge of HFMD, particularly regarding its complications. Targeted, community-based health education is needed to improve early recognition, prevention and management of HFMD in urban slum settings.

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