Abstract
Purpose Neonatal mortality rate is 24 deaths per 1,000 live births in Bangladesh and most of them die during early neonatal period. The purpose of this paper is to assess the knowledge and attitude of neonatal care practices among postnatal mothers in a tertiary care hospital in order to provide a basis for the development of strategies to improve further. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh using a convenient sampling technique. In total 211 postnatal mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and χ2 test was used to analyze the data. Findings Among mothers, 37.9 percent were aged between 16–20 years; 16.1 percent had no institutional education; 55 percent were primipara and only 26.5 percent had attended antenatal visit for more than four times. Mothers had apparently good knowledge and attitude about thermoregulation, early initiation of breast-feeding, importance of providing colostrum to the newborn, exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) up to six months of age and immunization at birth. However, this study identified knowledge gap about cord care, eye care, first bathing and hygiene practices. Overall, only a small proportion of respondents had good level of knowledge (37 percent) and attitude (47.4 percent) on newborn care. Highly significant statistical association was found between the knowledge, attitude level and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Knowledge and attitude were strongly associated as well. Research limitations/implications There is scope for improvement by providing health education to antenatal and postnatal mothers. Therefore, implementation of the guidelines outlined in the Maternal and Child Handbook (MCH) is highly recommended. Originality/value There is scope for improvement by providing health education to antenatal and postnatal mothers. Therefore, implementation of the guidelines outlined in the MCH is highly recommended to enhance the knowledge and attitude on newborn care among postnatal mothers.
Highlights
Neonatal mortality contributes to 45 percent of under-five deaths globally[1] with prematurity considered as the primary reason
It is a set of recommendations outlined by World Health Organization (WHO)[8] which includes thermoregulation, clean delivery and cord care, initiation of breastfeeding, immunization, eye care, recognition of danger signs, care of the preterm/ low birth weight infant and management of newborn illnesses
Since this study was done in a hospital setting and the initial part of cord care was taken care of by the hospital staff, we focused on the knowledge and attitude of postnatal mothers toward the care of cord stump
Summary
Neonatal mortality contributes to 45 percent of under-five deaths globally[1] with prematurity considered as the primary reason. It is essential to improve postnatal care for both mothers and their children to reduce this neonatal mortality rate further since most of the neonatal deaths are preventable by practicing effective measures at birth as well as during the first week of life. In this regard, essential newborn care (ENC) is a comprehensive strategy designed to improve the health of newborns through interventions before conception, during pregnancy and soon after birth, and in the postnatal period. It is a set of recommendations outlined by World Health Organization (WHO)[8] which includes thermoregulation, clean delivery and cord care, initiation of breastfeeding, immunization, eye care, recognition of danger signs, care of the preterm/ low birth weight infant and management of newborn illnesses
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
