This study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dietary practices in prevention of malnutrition among mothers with under five children in Maharishi Nursing home at Dharapuram in view of preparing self instructional module.

The conceptual framework of the study was based on the modified Pender’s health promotion Model (Revised 2002). The study made use of descriptive non Experimental Survey Design. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 200 samples for the study. The tool used for the study was structured interview schedule to assess knowledge and practice, 5 point likert scale to assess the attitude. The data were gathered and analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The knowledge mean score is 15.29 (SD±5.47) and attitude mean score is 68.2 (SD±7.47). There was positive correlation between the knowledge and attitude test score (r=0.59). The demographic variables age (X2=13.026), education (X2=83.472), occupation (X2=67.53), monthly income (X2=40.52), religion (X2=12.716) and source of health information (X2=23.028) were associated with knowledge of mothers with under five children. Other demographic variables such as type of family, number of under five children and type of food consumption had no association with knowledge regarding dietary practices in prevention of malnutrition. Area wise analysis was done. By distributing self instructional module on dietary practices in prevention of malnutrition which aids to gain knowledge on prevention of malnutrition. The study findings revealed that the mothers were having moderately adequate knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dietary practice in prevention of malnutrition.