Evaluating the effectiveness of an informational booklet on knowledge and attitude of parents and teachers regarding child sexual offences at selected rural areas of Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh

Author Name: Raghuveer Meena1, Dr. Sunil Jaiswal2

Volume: 03/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/06.2025-21822584/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. PhD. Scholar, LN Nursing College, LNCT University Bhopal, M.P., India
2. Professor, LN Nursing College, LNCT University Bhopal, M.P., India

ABSTRACT

Background: Child sexual offences (CSOs) remain a critical and underreported issue in India, with limited awareness among primary caregivers such as parents and teachers. Despite legal safeguards under the POCSO Act, gaps in knowledge and negative attitudes continue to hinder early identification and prevention. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an information booklet in enhancing the knowledge and attitude of parents and teachers regarding child sexual offences. Material and Method: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design was adopted. A total of 400 participants were selected using systematic random sampling from the Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh. Data were collected using a structured tool comprising demographic data, a 20-item knowledge questionnaire, and a 16-item attitude Likert scale. Result: Post-intervention knowledge scores showed a significant increase among both parents (from M = 11.14 to 15.61, p < 0.0001) and teachers (from M = 6.29 to 16.27, p < 0.0001). Attitude scores also improved significantly for both parents (from M = 48.16 to 38.64, p < 0.0001) and teachers (from M = 49.17 to 35.18, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The information booklet was effective in enhancing knowledge and fostering positive attitudes among parents and teachers. These findings underscore the need to implement similar structured educational interventions in school and community health settings to promote awareness and prevention of child sexual offences.

Key words: Child Sexual Offences, Knowledge and Attitude, POCSO Act, Sexual Abuse Prevention, Child Protection.