Publication:

Awareness and knowledge of growth charts among mothers of children under 24-months attending a tertiary care paediatric outpatient department in Puducherry: a cross-sectional study

Background Growth charts are essential tools for monitoring child growth and early detection of malnutrition. Maternal awareness and knowledge regarding growth charts play a crucial role in ensuring appropriate child health practices.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 mothers of children under 24 months attending the Paediatric outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry (Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital) from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess associations. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results Among the participants, 46 (41.8%) mothers were aware of growth charts, while 78 (70.9%) had adequate knowledge of them. Maternal education was significantly associated with both awareness and knowledge (p<0.001). Socio-economic status was also significantly associated with awareness (p=0.028). Other variables such as age, occupation, number of children, child age, and sex were not significantly associated.

Conclusions The study highlights a gap between awareness and knowledge of growth charts among mothers. Maternal education emerged as the key determinant influencing both awareness and knowledge. Strengthening awareness through targeted health education is essential to improving growth monitoring practices.