Assessment of Maternal Knowledge on Selected Behavioral Problems Among Preschool Children in Selected Village, Coimbatore: A Descriptive Study for the Development of an Educational Booklet

Background: Behavioral problems in preschool children can significantly impact their developmental trajectory and family dynamics. Mothers, as primary caregivers, play a critical role in recognizing and addressing these concerns early. Objectives: This study aimed to assess maternal knowledge regarding selected behavioral problems in preschool children in Ravathur Pirivu and to examine associations between knowledge levels and selected demographic variables. Methods: A descriptive quantitative study was conducted among 35 mothers of preschool children using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire divided into two sections: demographic information and 20 multiple -choice knowledge questions. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection. Results: Among participants, 25.7% had low knowledge (scores 0-10), 65.7% had moderate knowledge (11-15), and 8.5% had high knowledge (16-20). A significant association was found between mothers' knowledge and their educational level ( = 19.61, p < 0.05), while other variables such as age, child's birth order, or locality showed no significant association. Conclusion: While most mothers demonstrated moderate awareness of behavioral problems such as thumb sucking, nail biting, enuresis, and school phobia, a considerable proportion had low knowledge. The study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions, leading to the development of an informational booklet to improve maternal awareness and facilitate early management of behavioral concerns.