A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge regarding Toilet Training Practices of Toddler among mothers of Toddler in selected Pediatric Hospitals, Davangere

 

Suma G M1, Nethravathi S K2, Sangeeta Guddannanavar3

1Associate Professor, Dept. of Child Health Nursing, Kumuda Institute of Nursing Sciences, Davangere.

2Nursing Officer, Primary Health Centre, Chikmagalur.

32nd Year M.Sc. Nursing, Kumuda Institute of Nursing Sciences, Davangere.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: suma.gm12@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

The proposed study is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding toilet training practices of toddler among mothers of toddler in selected paediatric hospitals, Davangere, Karnataka Objectives: 1. To evaluate the pre-existing knowledge of mothers of toddlers (MoT) concerning toilet training methods. 2. To evaluate the posttest knowledge of mothers of toddlers (MoT) concerning toilet training procedures. 3. To assess the efficacy of a Structured Teaching Programme on the knowledge of mothers of toddlers (MoT) concerning toilet training practices by comparing pretest and posttest knowledge levels. 4. To ascertain the association between the pretest knowledge of mothers of toddlers concerning toilet training techniques and specific demographic characteristics. Methods: Quantitative approach was used with pre-experimental design. The target population for the study were mothers of toddler at Selected Hospital, Davangere. The population was selected by convenient sampling technique. The total sample size of this study is 60 mothers of toddler. The data was gathered using the structured Knowledge questionnaire. It comprises 30 questionnaires. It was designed to evaluate mothers understanding of potty-training procedures for toddlers. Results: Majority 56.7% of the mothers of toddler had inadequate knowledge and 38.3% had moderate knowledge in the pretest. After administration of structured teaching programme 66.7% of the subjects had adequate knowledge, 23.3% had moderate knowledge and only 10% had inadequate knowledge regarding toilet training practices of toddler in the post test.The overall analysis of level of knowledge of mothers of toddler regarding toilet training practices of toddler showed that mean knowledge scores of the subjects at pre-test were 13.75(45.83%) found to be inadequate knowledge regarding toilet training practices of toddler. After administration of structured teaching programme mean knowledge scores of the subjects was 23.5(78.33%) with the standard deviation of 5.774 found to be improvement in the level of knowledge among mothers of toddler. Conclusion: Findings of the study show that the structured teaching programme is effective in improving the level of knowledge of mothers of toddler.

 

KEYWORDS: Toilet Training, Structured Teaching Programme, Mothers of Toddler (MoT).

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Toilet training is the process of instructing an individual, especially a child aged one to three years to utilize the toilet for urination and defecation. Knowledge regarding toilet training in pre-modern societies is limited. however, attitudes towards this practice have varied significantly in recent history and may differ across cultures and demographics. Numerous modern methodologies for toilet training advocate for a behavioural and cognitive psychology framework.1 Recommendations on approaches differ significantly, but several are widely regarded as beneficial and particular study on their comparative efficacy is insufficient. No singular method may be universally efficacious, either among learners or for the same learner over time. Thus, trainers must adapt their tactics based on what proves most beneficial in their context. In certain cultures, training may commence early after birth.2 in many industrialized countries, this process typically occurs between 18 months and two years of age,3 with most children thoroughly trained by age four, although some may still have occasional accidents.4 being physically and mentally ready isn't the only factor involved. Motivation is key too. Here are a few signs child is ready to potty train: Child can hold urine and stay dry for at least two hours. This indicates that his bladder muscles are sufficiently developed to store urine.5 Child can recognize the physical signals that he has to go and act on them before anything comes out. Child can pull his clothes up and down by himself. Child demonstrates a desire for independence and shows an interest in imitating others bathroom habits. Once the baby has become accustomed to passing waste when held or on the potty, parents are able to adapt the method to suit their lifestyle.6 they can offer the potty just occasionally to help relieve an unsettled baby or they can offer regularly throughout the day in order to drastically reduce the reliance on nappies. Children may encounter specific hazards during training, like slips or falling toilet seats, and toilet training may, in certain situations, serve as a catalyst for abuse.7 specific technologies have been devised for toilet training, including both specialised and routinely utilized options.8

 

NEED FOR THE STUDY:

The toilet training a complex milestone enabling self-sufficiency, poses challenges causing family conflict. Cultural practices vary, with trends toward later, child-oriented starts (linked to maternal education/urban living).9 improper methods (premature/traumatic) correlate with health risks: constipation (0.3-28%), stool refusal, urinary incontinence, UTIs, and nocturnal enuresis (9%). Educating mothers on evidence-based practices is vital to prevent these issues, reduce anxiety and promote successful development.10

 

OBJECTIVES :

1)    To evaluate the pre-existing knowledge of mothers of toddlers concerning toilet training methods.

2)     To evaluate the posttest knowledge of mothers of toddlers concerning toilet training procedures.

3)    To assess the efficacy of a Structured Teaching Programme on the knowledge of mothers of toddlers concerning toilet training practices by comparing pretest and posttest knowledge levels

4)    To ascertain the association between the pretest knowledge of mothers of toddlers concerning toilet training techniques and specific demographic characteristics

 

HYPOTHESIS :

H1: There will be a substantial disparity between pretest and posttest knowledge scores of mothers of toddlers concerning toilet training techniques.

H2: A substantial association exists between the pretest knowledge of mothers of toddlers concerning Toilet training procedures and specific demographic characteristics.

 

METHODOLOGY:

Research Design:

In this work the pre-experimental design is implemented.

 

Research Approach:

An evaluative research methodology was deemed appropriate for the current investigation.

 

Sampling technique:

In this study, convenient sampling technique was adopted.

 

Sample size:

The total size of the sample considered in this study is 60 mothers of toddler.

 

Sampling Criteria:

Included criteria:

Participants available throughout the data collecting phase who provided agreement to participate

 

Excluded criteria:

1)    Whose child having critical illness

2)    Who is unwilling to engage in the study?

 

Variables:

Variables are attributes, features, or characteristics of individuals, objects or circumstances that fluctuate or differ.

 

Demographical Variables:

This study pertains to age, educational attainment, occupation, family structure, parity, monthly family income and sources of information.

 

Study Setting:

The present study was undertaken in Sanjeevini Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka

 

Sample size:

The total sample size of this study is 60 mothers of toddler

Sampling Methodology:

This study employed a convenience sampling strategy.

Data collection tool:

The data was gathered using the structured Knowledge questionnaire. It comprises 30 questionnaires. It was designed to evaluate mothers' understanding of potty-training procedures for toddlers.

 

Tool Description:

Structured knowledge questionnaires encompass the following components.

 

Part - I: Demographic Data:

This portion comprised seven items requesting personal information, including age, educational status, occupation, family type, parity, monthly family income and information source.

 

Part - II: Knowledge questionnaires:

The knowledge surveys consisted of 30 items focussing on four aspects: basic information regarding toilet training, commencement and positioning of toilet training, and management of toilet training challenges. Each question included four responses, consisting of one correct answer and three distractors. A score of '1' was given for a correct answer to one question, but a score of '0' was allocated for an incorrect answer. The aggregate quantity of items was 30, yielding a maximum score of 30.

 

RESULTS:

Section 1: Demographic characteristics of the mothers of Toddler (MoT)

Table 1: Frequency and percentage of demographic variable    n=60

Sl. No

Demographic Variables

Category

Frequency

Percentage

 

1

 

Age

Less than 25 years

11

18.3

 26-30 years

17

28.3

 31-35 years

26

43.4

 36 years and above

6

10.0

 

2

 

Education

 No formal education

12

20.0

Primary education

16

26.7

 Secondary education

11

18.3

 PUC and above

21

35.0

3

 

Occupation

 

 House wife

38

63.3

Coolie

6

10.0

 Private employee

11

18.3

Government employee

5

8.4

4

 

Type of family

 Nuclear family

40

66.7

Joint family

11

18.3

 Extended family

9

15.0

5

Parity

Primipara

53

88.3

 Multipara

7

11.7

6

Family income/month

Less than Rs. 5000

5

8.3

Rs. 5001-10000

18

30.0

Rs. 10001-15000

29

48.3

Rs. 15001 and above

8

13.4

7

 

 

Source of information

Books and magazines

4

6.6

 Mass media

19

31.7

Family and friends

19

31.7

 Health personnel

18

30.0

 

Section 2: knowledge level of Mothers of Toddler ( MoT)regarding the toilet training practices of toddler

Table 2: Pretest and Posttest knowledge level of mothers of Toddler.                                        n=60

Knowledge level

Pretest

Posttest

Frequency

%

Frequency

%

1.       Inadequate knowledge

34

56.7

6

10.0

2.       Moderate knowledge

23

38.3

14

23.3

3.       Adequate knowledge

3

5.0

40

66.7

Total

60

100

60

100

 

Table 3: Analysis of pretest and posttest knowledge scores of Mothers of toddler       n=60

Knowledge Aspects

Pretest

Posttest

Mean

Mean%

SD

Mean

Mean%

SD

1. General information of toilet training

3.83

47.87

1.888

6.33

79.12

1.446

2. Initiation and position of toilet training

5.15

46.81

2.032

8.38

76.18

2.351

 3. Management of problems of toilet training

4.77

43.36

2.288

8.78

79.81

3.070

Overall

13.75

45.83

5.118

23.5

78.33

5.774

 

 

 

Section 3: Assessment of the Knowledge Level of Mothers of Toddlers

Table 4 : Area-wise comparison of knowledge scores of mothers of toddler               n=60

S.  No

Knowledge aspects

Pretest

Posttest

Mean

difference

t value

Inference

Mean

SD

Mean

SD

1

General information of toilet training

3.83

1.888

6.33

1.446

2.5

9.873

S

2

Initiation and position of toilet training

5.15

2.032

8.38

2.351

3.23

11.606

S

3

Management of problems of toilet training

4.77

2.288

8.78

3.070

4.01

10.955

S

Overall knowledge

13.75

5.118

23.5

5.774

9.75

13.966

S

 

The chosen demographic characteristics include age, gender, occupation, family type, parity, monthly family income, and information source. The pretest mean knowledge score of the mothers of toddlers was 13.75 (45.83%), with a standard deviation of 5.118. The posttest mean knowledge score for the same group was 23.5 (78.33%), with a standard deviation of 5.774.The overall knowledge score exhibited a mean difference of 9.75, with a 't' value of 13.966, which was statistically significant at p<0.05. There exists a substantial disparity in the knowledge levels of mothers of toddlers at selected paediatric hospitals about toilet training techniques for toddlers.

 

CONCLUSION:

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a structured education program on the knowledge of mothers of toddlers concerning toilet training practices at Sanjeevini Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka. The study employed an evaluative technique and a one-group pre-test-post-test design. The data was gathered from 60 samples using a convenience sampling method. The acquired data underwent analysed utilising descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, as well as inferential statistics such as the 't' test and chi-square test to determine associations. The overall mean knowledge score of the individuals in the pre-test was 13.75 (45.83%), with a standard deviation of 5.118, indicating inadequacy. The overall knowledge score exhibited a mean difference of 9.75, with a 't' value of 13.966, which was statistically significant at p<0.05. The overall mean knowledge score of the individuals in the post-test was 23.5 (78.33%), with a standard deviation of 5.774, indicating an enhancement in knowledge.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations have been proposed:

1.     A comparable study can be conducted on a larger sample to generalise the results.

2.     A comparable study may be executed in an alternative setting.

3.     A study may be undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of innovative pedagogical techniques.

 

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Received on 01.10.2025         Revised on 31.10.2025

Accepted on 27.11.2025         Published on 26.02.2026

Available online from March 03, 2026

A and V Pub J. of Nursing and Medical Res. 2026;5(1):1-4.

DOI: 10.52711/jnmr.2026.01

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