AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN INFORMATIONAL PAMPHLET IN ENHANCING CAREGIVERS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HOME-BASED MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN AFFECTED BY TOMATO FLU IN SELECTED RURAL COMMUNITIES OF INDORE, MADHYA PRADESH

Authors: deepak singh rajput

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijpns.13158.1760613476

Keywords: Tomato flu,Caregivers,Health education,Knowledge improvement,Emerging infectious diseases

Abstract: Introduction: Tomato flu, a contagious viral infection presenting with painful red blisters, was first detected in Kerala in May 2022, mainly among children below five years of age. Since then, cases have been reported in nearby states such as Tamil Nadu and Odisha, raising public health concerns regarding its wider spread across India. Although generally non-fatal, the infection is highly transmissible through close contact and contaminated surfaces. Caregivers play a central role in the early identification, home management, and prevention of further transmission. Therefore, providing them with effective health education is crucial for ensuring proper disease management. Materials and Methods: A quantitative pre-experimental study was carried out in Morodhat Hat, Indore, including 100 caregivers chosen through purposive sampling. Participants’ baseline knowledge of Tomato flu home care was assessed using a structured questionnaire. An educational pamphlet was then administered, followed by a post-test with the same tool. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and paired ‘z’ tests, with the level of significance fixed at P < 0.05. Results: The paired ‘z’ test showed a statistically significant increase in caregivers’ knowledge following the intervention (mean difference = 14.2, z = 18.67, p < 0.05). The mean pre-test score of 12.4 rose to 26.6 after the educational session, confirming the pamphlet’s effectiveness in improving caregivers’ understanding of home care management for Tomato flu. Summary and Conclusion: The study demonstrated that distributing an informational pamphlet significantly enhanced caregivers’ knowledge of Tomato flu home management. These findings underscore the importance of community-based health education in addressing emerging infectious diseases, particularly in rural areas. Tailored educational programs can empower caregivers and contribute to better health outcomes among vulnerable populations.