Background: Under-five children represent the most nutritionally vulnerable segment of the population. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme relies heavily on Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) to implement National Nutritional Programmes at the grassroots level. Systematic education through capacity building is critical to optimizing their field efficacy. Methodology: An evaluative research approach utilizing a one-group pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design was conducted among a sample of 60 active, registered Anganwadi workers (n=60) selected via non-probability convenience sampling within the Hassan district. A structured knowledge questionnaire containing 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) was administered across five operational domains: Introduction to National Nutritional Programmes (6 items), Types of Nutrition Programmes (8 items), Responsibilities of AWWs (5 items), Growth Monitoring (6 items), and Supplementary Nutrition & Child Health Services (5 items). Following the baseline pre-test, a structured Capacity Building Program intervention was administered, and a post-test was conducted after the intervention period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Chi-square tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall mean knowledge score increased significantly from 13.05 (43.50%) in the pre-test to 23.46 (78.20%) in the post-test, demonstrating a mean knowledge enhancement of 10.41 (34.70%). The calculated paired t -test value was 54.12 (df = 59), which was highly significant at p < 0.05. A significant statistical association was found between the baseline pre-test knowledge levels and socio-demographic variables such as educational qualification, years of experience, and previous training on nutrition (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The Capacity Building Program was highly effective in mitigating knowledge deficits among Anganwadi workers. Periodic educational programs are vital to maintaining high service quality and empowering frontline workers to manage under-five child nutrition effectively.
Quasi-experimental, Effectiveness, Capacity Building Program, Knowledge, National Nutritional Programmes, Anganwadi Workers.
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development - IJTSRD having
online ISSN 2456-6470. IJTSRD is a leading Open Access, Peer-Reviewed International
Journal which provides rapid publication of your research articles and aims to promote
the theory and practice along with knowledge sharing between researchers, developers,
engineers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world in many areas
like Sciences, Technology, Innovation, Engineering, Agriculture, Management and
many more and it is recommended by all Universities, review articles and short communications
in all subjects. IJTSRD running an International Journal who are proving quality
publication of peer reviewed and refereed international journals from diverse fields
that emphasizes new research, development and their applications. IJTSRD provides
an online access to exchange your research work, technical notes & surveying results
among professionals throughout the world in e-journals. IJTSRD is a fastest growing
and dynamic professional organization. The aim of this organization is to provide
access not only to world class research resources, but through its professionals
aim to bring in a significant transformation in the real of open access journals
and online publishing.