A Comparative Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Child Abuse Among the Parents Residing in Selected Urban and Rural Areas of Vijayapur District with a View to Develop an Information Booklet

Abstract

Background: Child abuse is a major public health and social concern that adversely affects children's physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Mothers play a crucial role in the early identification, prevention, and reporting of child abuse. However, their level of knowledge may differ between rural and urban communities because of variations in education, access to information, and socioeconomic conditions. Assessing these differences is essential for planning effective educational interventions. This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge regarding child abuse among rural and urban mothers and to develop an information booklet to improve awareness. Methodology: A descriptive comparative survey design was adopted. The study was conducted among mothers residing in Toravi (rural) and Adarsh Nagar (urban) of Vijayapur District. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic variables included age, religion, education, occupation, monthly family income, number of children, family type, and source of information. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Among rural mothers, 56% had poor knowledge, 40% had average knowledge, and 4% had very poor knowledge regarding child abuse. In contrast, 64% of urban mothers had average knowledge, 32% had poor knowledge, and 4% had good knowledge. Urban mothers demonstrated significantly higher knowledge than rural mothers (mean score: 17.64 ± 3.78 vs. 13.00 ± 4.20; Z = 5.81, p < 0.05). Knowledge among rural mothers was significantly associated with educational status (χ² = 3.9, p < 0.05), whereas among urban mothers, it was significantly associated with monthly family income (χ² = 4.9, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed significant differences in knowledge regarding child abuse between rural and urban mothers. Strengthening community-based educational programmes and providing information booklets can enhance parental awareness, promote early recognition and reporting of child abuse, and contribute to improved child protection and safety.