A Study of Parental Awareness Regarding Preventive Healthcare Practices for Children under Five

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20252068

Abstract

Preventive healthcare practices are essential for ensuring the healthy growth and development of children under five years of age. This study examines the level of parental awareness regarding preventive healthcare measures and their role in reducing childhood illnesses. The research focuses on important healthcare practices such as vaccination, balanced nutrition, regular medical checkups, hygiene maintenance, breastfeeding, and disease prevention strategies. A quantitative research methodology is employed to collect data from parents through surveys and interviews conducted at healthcare centers and pediatric clinics. The findings indicate that parents with higher educational backgrounds and better healthcare accessibility demonstrate greater awareness regarding preventive healthcare practices. Conversely, limited education, financial challenges, and lack of healthcare resources negatively influence parental understanding and healthcare decisions. The study further reveals that inadequate awareness contributes to malnutrition, delayed vaccinations, infectious diseases, and poor child health outcomes. Healthcare professionals and community health programs play a significant role in educating parents about child healthcare and disease prevention. The research emphasizes the importance of awareness campaigns, parenting education programs, and improved healthcare services to strengthen preventive healthcare practices among families. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for collaboration between healthcare institutions and government organizations to ensure equal healthcare opportunities for children. The findings contribute to pediatric healthcare literature by identifying the impact of parental awareness on child well-being and early disease prevention. The study concludes that informed parenting and accessible healthcare services are essential for improving the health and survival of children under five.