A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude of Parents Regarding Sibling Rivalry and its Prevention among Mothers of Children under Five Years Attending Selected Pediatric Units of Aims, Kochi

Sibling rivalry is the jealousy, competition and fighting between brothers and sisters. It is a concern for almost all parents of two or more kids. Problems often start right after the birth of the second child. Sibling rivalry usually continues throughout childhood and can be frustrating and stressful to parents.

Methods: The approach used for the study was quantitative approach using descriptive research design. The study was conducted among 32 parents of children under five years with non probability convenience sampling technique. The data were collected using self prepared knowledge questionnaire and attitude scale on sibling rivalry and its prevention.

Findings: The study revealed that the most of the parents (46.9%) were in the age group of 26-30 year and (40.6%) aged above 30 years. Most of the parents (34.4%) were having higher secondary education and 28.1% have graduation. Most of them 45.5% had a boy child and a girl child. Among 32 parents 65.6 % had average knowledge regarding sibling rivalry and its prevention. More than half of the parents 53.1% had positive attitude towards sibling rivalry and its prevention. There was no significant association between knowledge and selected demographic variables. Positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude regarding sibling rivalry and its prevention.

Conclusion: Researcher concluded that most of the parents had average knowledge and each one had different views about sibling rivalry and its management. Educational interventional programme have to be implemented in the community as well as clinical setting to improve the knowledge of mothers.