Work

The effect of educational intervention using a multimedia package in the prevention of sexual abuse in preschool children on knowledge and attitude of mothers: a quasi-experimental study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Preschool children are particularly vulnerable to child sexual abuse. Mothers, as primary caregivers, play a key role in protecting children from sexual abuse through appropriate knowledge and preventive practices. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a multimedia educational intervention on mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding the prevention of CSA among preschool children. This quasi-experimental educational study included 84 mothers of preschool children who were recruited through multistage cluster sampling from five comprehensive health service centers in Rasht, Iran. Participants were allocated to intervention and control groups. Data were collected at baseline, two weeks after the intervention, and four weeks after the intervention. Mothers in the intervention group received a six-week multimedia educational program delivered via DVD and reinforced through weekly educational reminders sent via social media, whereas the control group received routine care only during the study period. Mothers completed researcher-developed knowledge and attitude questionnaires at all three assessment points. At baseline, there were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in knowledge (P = 0.157) or attitude (P = 0.444). Following the intervention, the mean knowledge score in the intervention group increased from 26.19 ± 3.47 at baseline to 32.07 ± 2.18 at two weeks and remained significantly higher (30.83 ± 2.58) at four weeks. The mean attitude score also increased from 125.62 ± 10.81 at baseline to 135.88 ± 10.20 at two weeks and 132.45 ± 10.75 at four weeks. Compared with the control group, knowledge scores were significantly higher at two weeks (P < 0.001) and four weeks (P < 0.001). Likewise, attitude scores were significantly higher at two weeks (P < 0.001) and four weeks (P = 0.013). The multimedia educational intervention significantly improved mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding the prevention of child sexual abuse among preschool children. These findings suggest that culturally adapted multimedia education may provide an effective and accessible approach for strengthening parental education and supporting community-based child sexual abuse prevention programs. Mothers play a key role in preschool child sexual abuse prevention; Therefore, implementation of innovative educational interventions for them is important. The use of multimedia educational packages helps nurses present health promotion to families in a more effective way and regardless of time and place constraints. The use of a multimedia package increases the knowledge and attitude of mothers regarding child sexual abuse prevention. As the front line of communication with children and families, nurses play an important role in identifying and preventing child sexual abuse.

Source: BMC Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-026-07559-y

Authors: Hanieh Shafaei Kachaei, Moluk Pouralizadeh, Zahra Bostani Khalesi, Ehsan Kazemnejad Leyli

Institution: Guilan University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090