Awareness and Practices of Women of Reproductive Age regarding the Use of Chlorhexidine for Newborn Cord Care in a Selected Community in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Neonatal mortality remains a public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa especially in Nigeria and poor cord care is a major contributor to the high neonatal mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness and practice of Chlorhexidine cord care by women of reproductive age in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Methods: This was a community based descriptive cross sectional study carried out among women of childbearing age in Lwellem Community of Jos South Local Government Area. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from respondents who were selected through total population sampling. Data was analyzed using Statistical package for the Social Sciences version 20.Results: Three hundred women with children aged less than 5 years were administered the questionnaire. Two hundred and ninety seven (99%) were of low socio-economic status, 71 (23.5%) were farmers, 75 (25%) were traders and 60 (20%) were not gainfully employed. One hundred and sixty seven (55.6%) mothers were uneducated, 286 (95.3%) attended antenatal care during their last pregnancy and 78 (26.0%) were aware of Chlorhexidine use for newborn cord care with 89 (29.6%) using it. One hundred and sixty eight (56.0%) women practiced cord care to hasten falling of the cord and 85 (28.3%) practiced it to prevent infection. Conclusion: There is low awareness and use of Chlorhexidine for cord care in newborns. Women of reproductive age in this community should be educated on the use of Chlorhexidine cord care for newborns to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality resulting from cord sepsis due to poor cord care practices.