Neonatal Care Awareness among Bangladesh Women

Abstract

Background: Mothers knowledge and practices shape the future of the new born. The child’s early growth and development, both physical and behavioral, is largely influenced by his interactions with the important people who give him care. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess awareness on neonatal care among women having one pregnancy resulting one viable young. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among purposively selected 107 women having one pregnancy resulting one viable young from two selected districts (Gazipur and Mymensingh) in Bangladesh. Pre-tested semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Face to face interview was conducted. Level of awareness was determined by pre-defined scoring. Results: Mean ± SD age of respondents was 21.56 ± 3.77 and 23.41 ± 5.34 in Gazipur and Mymensingh district respectively. About 81.30%, 13.08% and 5.60% respondents had poor, moderate and good awareness on newborn care respectively. About 82.24%, 14% and 3.73% respondents had poor, moderate and good awareness on neonatal physiological function respectively. Regarding umbilical cord care 62.61%, 28.97% and 8.41% respondents had poor, moderate and good awareness respectively. Poor awareness was more among who had education level below SSC and it was statistically significant (P<0.05). Poor awareness was prominent among housewives. Statistically significant association was found between occupation of respondents and awareness on newborn care. Conclusion: It is concluded that awareness on neonatal health among mothers having one pregnancy was not satisfactory.