Assessment of knowledge and perceived practice on using eco-friendly toys among mothers of under five children

Abstract

Introduction: Plastic is one of the most toxic substances in the world and there are several hazards of plastic usage. Plastic is a non-biodegradable product and do not decompose by biological actions of microbes. It takes about 1,000 years for plastic products to break down. They remain in the same state in the environment as we throw them whereas e-friendly are environmentally safe because the materials used to create the toys are natural, biodegradable and also recyclable. Objectives of the Study: 1.To assess the level of knowledge on using ecofriendly toys among mothers of under five children. 2.To assess the perceived practice on using ecofriendly toys among mothers of under five children.3.To determine the correlation between knowledge and perceived practice on using ecofriendly toys among mothers of under five children. 4.To find the association between socio-demographic variables and the level of knowledge and perceived practice on using ecofriendly toys among mothers of under five children. Methodology: Survey study was conducted among 60 mothers with underfive children at MK Pet, Tiruttani. Non probability convenience sampling technique was used to select the samples. Informed consent was obtained from all mothers, and made them be aware that information used only for research purpose. Structured interview schedule was conducted to elicit information from the participants. Result: The inferences made are: Majority 40 (67%) had inadequate knowledge, 19 (31%) had moderate knowledge whereas least number 1 (2%) had adequate knowledge on using on ecofriendly toys whereas 24 (40%) had fair perceived practice, 23(38%) had poor perceived practice and only 13(22%) had good perceived practice on using ecofriendly toys. There was a significant positive correlation between the mean score of knowledge 381 with S.D 6.35 and the mean score of perceived practice 724 with S.D 12. The calculated Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation r=0.07 was positively significant with low correlation at p < 0.05* level. there was significant association established with the type of family and mothers educational status at the level of P < 0.05* level. There was no statistically significant association found with the demographic variables of age of the mother, religion, education, number of children, occupation, monthly income with P < 0.05 *level. The analysis revealed that there was significant association established with the religion and number of children variable at the level of P < 0.05* level. There was no statistically significant association found with the demographic variables of age, education, monthly income, type of family, number of children with P<0.05* level.