Effectiveness of community -based educational intervention on knowledge and practice of first aid among mothers of tea garden, Darjeeling

Abstract Background In India’s tea-garden regions, including Darjeeling, geographical remoteness, socioeconomic hardship, and limited healthcare access constrain emergency response capacity. Mothers often serve as first responders for childhood injuries, yet evidence indicates low first-aid knowledge and uncertain translation into practice. Existing studies largely overlook tea-garden populations, leaving gaps regarding both baseline preparedness and effectiveness of tailored community-based interventions. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based educational intervention on maternal knowledge and stated practice of first aid. Results A total of 175 mothers were participated primarily but totally followed up 170 till post intervention in the study. Participants were predominantly tea garden workers (67.6%), from nuclear families (89.4%), and of low socioeconomic status. Baseline first-aid knowledge was limited (mean score: 30.8 ± 4.2). Post-intervention, knowledge improved significantly (53.0 ± 3.9; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 4.45), with largest gains in shock and animal bite management. Stated practice scores improved modestly but significantly (34.1 ± 4.0 to 36.2 ± 3.9; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.91), particularly in minor trauma and shock, though no improvement was observed for foreign body management. Conclusion Community-based educational interventions can markedly enhance first-aid knowledge among mothers in tea-garden communities, though translation into practice remains modest. Strengthening skill acquisition may require repeated, high-fidelity, simulation-based training and refresher sessions. Future studies should assess long-term retention, real-world emergency responses, and child health outcomes.