maximum score of 30. Range of obtained Score in
pretest was between 10-22, indicating there was
knowledge deficits regarding therapeutic play for
hospitalized children. The mean post-test knowledge
score was 22.63 with median 22 and standard deviation
2.40 against the maximum score of 30. The mean
difference between pretest and post-test knowledge
score was 6.9. This obtained mean difference was
found to be statistically significant. This indicated that
the planned teaching programmed was effective to
enhance knowledge of nursing personnel regarding
therapeutic play. Our results were similar to the study.
Sreedhar Teji studied mother's knowledge in
anganwadi regarding play amongst children. The
researcher concluded that the lowest mean of pretest
score was found in the area of parental responsibility
f o l l o w e d b y d e v e l o p m e n t a l v a l u e ( 3 0 % )
developmental characteristics of play (33.33%), play
item & activities (35%), meaning and importance of
play (38.34%). The mean post-test knowledge score
(42) was found to be significantly higher than the mean
pretest score (16.4) with 't' (39)> 4.75 significant at
0.01 level. This suggested that the health education
program was effective in increasing the knowledge of
mothers regarding play in children. The mean
percentage gain between pre-test & post-test
knowledge score in all the content area indicated gain
in knowledge in all the areas. The maximum mean gain
creates positive thoughts in child. 59% parents were of
the opinion that play helps in social, cultural &
spiritual development of child. Lastly, 33% of parents
think that play helps in improving communication
skills. The present study revealed that there was
significant association 2=14.66 (p=0.001) between
age & attitude of parents, in mass media
2=13.1(p=0.05) and in monthly income of parents
2=8.66 (p=0.03).
CONCLUSION:
The present study showed that the maximum
parents were having inadequate knowledge regarding
play needs of children (under 5 years of age). Only age
and education qualification variables are significantly
associated with their knowledge score. Awareness
programs are needed to help understand the role of
play in a child's life.
Financial Support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
REFERENCES:
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play needs of a child. 43% parents consented that play