Assessment of the Newborn Care Practices in Home Deliveries among Urban Slums of Meerut, UP India

Abstract

Background: Despite efforts by the government and other health agencies neonatal morbidity and mortality continues to remain high in India. In our community women receive information about neonatal care from family members, elders and traditional birth attendants regarding antenatal and postnatal care. Objectives: To assess the newborn care practices in home deliveries this can affect the neonatal morbidity and mortality. Settings and design: The community based, cross- sectional study was carried out in the field practice area of urban slums of Meerut, UP. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out from Jan 2011 to October 2011 In this study 280 mothers of infants up to 03 months of age were interviewed. A semi structured, pre tested questionnaire was used. All participants were informed regarding the purpose of study and their consent was obtained for data collection. Results: The result of study showed that many harmful and un-indicated neonatal practices were prevalent in the community. 83.92% of the deliveries took place at home and 51.08 % were conducted by untrained birth attendant. New blade was used to cut cord in 63.82%. Turmeric powder with oil or ghee was applied frequently. Bathing the baby immediately after birth was commonly practiced in 76.60%. 68.08% mothers initiated breast-feeding within 24 hrs of birth and 29.92% initiated after 1 day. 62.50% mothers had not given colostrum to their baby, in majority the reason was it prohibited by family customs and elderly members. Immunization status was poor. Conclusion: Practices regarding newborn care were harmful and knowledge was poor among mothers and this should be promoted through improved coverage with existing health services.