AWARENESS REGARDING DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES OF UNDER 3 YEARS CHILDREN AMONG MOTHERS AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL, CHITWAN

Background: The growth of a child is the most important requirements for mental and physical development as well as social integrity. Knowledge of developmental milestones is essential for assessing normal development and to identify any delay in development. Mothers, who are usually taking care of the child, must have adequate knowledge regarding growth and development of child. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness regarding developmental milestones of under 3 years children among mothers at a teaching hospital, Chitwan. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional research was conducted among 104 mothers attending different pediatric departments of Chitwan Medical College & Teaching Hospital. Non-probability, convenience sampling technique was used to select the sample.  Structured interview schedule was used for data collection and data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study revealed that more than half (52.95%) of respondents belonged to 20-29 years, 74% were Hindu, 58.7% belonged to urban area. Only 25% of the respondents had adequate level of awareness. Most of the mothers had awareness regarding social development & play (66.67%) followed by motor development (57.14%), physical development (50%), cognitive development (50%), & language development (50%). Conclusions: Majority of mothers have inadequate level of awareness regarding developmental milestones.