A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING PROGRAMME ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING ROAD SAFETY AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SELECTED SCHOOL AT PUDUCHERRY

Background: Road traffic injuries are a major public health issue and a leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on road safety knowledge among adolescents. Methods: Non-experimental research design was conducted among 38 adolescents from Thiyagi Subramaniya Padaiyatchi Government higher secondary school, Puducherry. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic variables and road safety knowledge. A structured teaching programme was conducted, and a post-test was conducted after two weeks. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired ‘t’ tests, and chi-square tests. Results: In the pre-test, 50% of students had inadequate knowledge, 44.7% had moderate knowledge, and 5.3% had adequate knowledge. Post-intervention, all students (100%) achieved adequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased from 13.61 ± 3.10 in the pre-test to 23.63 ± 1.05 in the post-test (t=18.50, p<0.001). No significant association was found between demographic variables and knowledge levels. Conclusion: This study, conducted among 38 students at Thiyagi Subramaniya Padaiyatchi Government Higher Secondary School, Puducherry, found that all participants gained adequate knowledge on road safety after the structured teaching programme, highlighting its importance in preventing accidents.