Effectiveness of community -based educational intervention on knowledge and practice of first aid among mothers of tea garden, Darjeeling
摘要
In India’s tea-garden regions, including Darjeeling, geographical remoteness, socioeconomic hardship, and limited healthcare access constrain emergency response capacity. Mothers often serve as first responders for childhood injuries, yet evidence indicates low first-aid knowledge and uncertain translation into practice. Existing studies largely overlook tea-garden populations, leaving gaps regarding both baseline preparedness and effectiveness of tailored community-based interventions.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based educational intervention on maternal knowledge and stated practice of first aid.
ResultsA total of 175 mothers were participated primarily but totally followed up 170 till post intervention in the study. Participants were predominantly tea garden workers (67.6%), from nuclear families (89.4%), and of low socioeconomic status. Baseline first-aid knowledge was limited (mean score: 30.8 ± 4.2). Post-intervention, knowledge improved significantly (53.0 ± 3.9; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 4.45), with largest gains in shock and animal bite management. Stated practice scores improved modestly but significantly (34.1 ± 4.0 to 36.2 ± 3.9; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.91), particularly in minor trauma and shock, though no improvement was observed for foreign body management.
ConclusionCommunity-based educational interventions can markedly enhance first-aid knowledge among mothers in tea-garden communities, though translation into practice remains modest. Strengthening skill acquisition may require repeated, high-fidelity, simulation-based training and refresher sessions. Future studies should assess long-term retention, real-world emergency responses, and child health outcomes.