Abstract
BackgroundThe early postnatal period is a dangerous time for both mother and baby where morbidity and mortality are highly prevalent if proper care is not done. Post natal care (PNC) knowledge has significant role in reducing such complications. In this study, the knowledge of postpartum mothers on PNC and its determinants were determined.MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in postpartum mothers (PpM) who attended all maternal delivery services in Asmara. Data was collected by a structured questionnaire. All (n = 250) PpM who gave birth in December, 2017 were included in the study. Independent samples t-test and one way ANOVA were used to compare the scores in knowledge across categories of background characteristics using SPSS. Bonferroni post-hoc test was performed for variables that were found to be significant while using ANOVA tool. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as significant.ResultsThe percentage of PpM who cited vaginal bleeding, as a maternal danger sign, and fever, as a baby danger sign, were 83.2 and 58.8%, respectively. The majority (96%) of PpM responded the correct answer on where to go if they note any danger signs. In addition, more than nine tenth of PpM correctly identified injectable contraceptives (92.7%) and oral contraceptive (91.5%). The percentages of knowledge in recognizing the necessary nutrients ranged from 87.6% for carbohydrates to 46% for minerals. The percentages of correct knowledge regarding first baby bath, frequency of breast feeding, umbilical care, duration of exclusive breast feeding, need and purpose of vaccine were 40.1, 81.9, 77.4, 94.8, and 99.2% respectively. The mean PNC knowledge score was 24.89/60. The score of knowledge on postnatal care was found to significantly differ across the categories of residence (p < 0.001) and ethnicity (p = 0.015). An increasing trend of knowledge score was observed with increase in age group (p < 0.001), educational level (p = 0.021), gravida (p < 0.001) and para (p < 0.001).ConclusionConsiderable gaps in knowledge regarding postnatal care among postpartum mothers were evident. Special attention should be laid on rural residents, single/living together, junior/below in educational level, primigravida/para, non-Tigrigna ethnicity, and 17 to 25 years old mothers.
Highlights
The early postnatal period is a dangerous time for both mother and baby where morbidity and mortality are highly prevalent if proper care is not done
30 subjects were excluded because they cannot speak Tigrigna, had still birth, and withdrew from the study to arrive at 250 subjects included in the analysis (Fig. 1)
Comparison of knowledge scores The results showed that the mean knowledge score was 24.89/60 (SD = 5.66)
Summary
The early postnatal period is a dangerous time for both mother and baby where morbidity and mortality are highly prevalent if proper care is not done. The goal of care during the early postnatal period is to promote the physical well-being of both mother and baby, as well as support the developing relationship between the baby and his or her parents and family. It can support the development of infant feeding skills and strengthen the mother’s knowledge and confidence in her and her baby’s health and well-being. Around two thirds of maternal and newborn deaths occur in the early postpartum period in developing countries and most of them in sub-Saharan Africa [1, 4]. The three most recognized maternal danger signs were heavy vaginal bleeding (83.2%), severe head ache (38.4%), and lower abdominal pain (32.0%)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 call
