1Abhilashi college of Nursing, Tanda, Nerchowk, Mandi, H.P
2Akal College of Nursing Eternal University, Barusahib, SirmaurH.P.
*Corresponding Author and Co-author: Ms. Anjali Sharma Nursing Tutor, Akal College of Nursing Eternal University, Barusahib, SirmaurH.P.
Background: Teachers play a very important role in the formation of healthy mind of children. They have huge impact on young children’s mental health. There are about 43 millions of teachers in primary and secondary levels all around the world, which means the teachers population, is of public health significance. Since due to shortage of mental health professionals, school teachers can make important contribution in promotion of mental health of children.
Aim: A descriptive study was conducted among teachers of selected Govt. Primary Schools of District Bilaspur H.P. Main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of school teachers regarding Nail Biting, Eating Disorders and Mental Retardation and to find out the association of knowledge of teachers with their selected demographic variables.
Methodology: Quantitative approach and descriptive research design was used in the study. Sample sizes of 19 primary school teachers were selected by using consecutive sampling technique. Knowledge of study sample regarding risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention, complications and role of teachers in managing these disorders among school going children were assessed through self-administered questionnaire.
Results: The study findings revealed that majority of the participants that is 52.6% were between 31-40 years of age, 68.4% were females, 52.63% were graduates. 97.4% of the participants had knowledge regarding management of nail biting with behavior modification and very few 15.8% knew that this disorder is more common in girls. 73.7% of the participants had knowledge that eating disorders can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction and very few 42.1% knew that eating disorder is an abnormal eating habit and iron deficiency is the main cause of PICA. 89.5% participants had knowledge that mental retardation is a genetic abnormality and very few 5.3% knew that a teacher can help a mentally retarded student by creating opportunities for them to succeed.
Conclusion: Since the study showed that majority of the teachers had average knowledge regarding nail biting, eating disorder and mental retardation. But very few teachers knew their role in handling these disorders. Thus it is concluded that various workshops, conferences, school programmes can be organized for the primary school teachers regarding different behavioral disorders so that they can have better understanding of behavioral disorders. They should be able to recognize their role in managing and in early identification of different behavioral disorders in children at school level.
Knowledge, Nail Biting, Eating Disorders, Mental Retardation
