Abstract
To assess newborn care knowledge and practices among mothers. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 170 mothers accompanying their infants attending the Paediatric Out Patient Department were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Areas of inquiry included Antenatal care seeking, delivery care, cord care, eye care, bathing and breastfeeding practices. Ninety-two percent mothers reported at least one antenatal care visit. Tetanus Toxoid coverage was 88%. Home deliveries were 18%. Seventy-four percent reported applying various substances like coconut oil, mustard oil, purified butter and turmeric to the cord stump. Kohl application to newborn's eyes was 68%, while 86% reported first bath within 24 hrs of birth. 48% mothers initiated breastfeeding within 2 hours of delivery. Colostrum was discarded by 43% and prelacteal feeds given by 73%. Exclusive Breast Feeding rate was 26%. Family income of Rs. 10, 000 (USD120) or less/month and maternal education level of primary or less were significantly associated with home delivery, unhygienic cord care and kohl application to the newborn's eyes. Home delivery was a risk factor for poor cord care (OR=4.07) and discarding colostrum (OR= 3.18). Antenatal care coverage was good, but knowledge regarding newborn care was poor. Harmful practices regarding newborn care were prevalent among mothers. Institutional deliveries did not guarantee optimal practices. Tradition and culture played a significant role. Health education can improve the mothers' knowledge regarding newborn care practices.
Highlights
Four million newborns die before they reach one month of age
A family income of Rs.10, 000 or less / month was significantly associated with having a home delivery (OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.09 – 5.76), unhygienic cord care (OR=2.49, 95% CI 1.29 – 4.81) and application of kohl to the newborn’s eyes (OR=2.64, 95% CI 1.33 – 5.23)
Having a delivery at home was a risk factor for poor cord care (OR=4.07, 95% CI 1.78 – 9.40) and discarding colostrum (OR= 3.18, 95% CI 3.81- 7.31). 40% of mothers who reported a home delivery did not seek antenatal care
Summary
Four million newborns die before they reach one month of age. The neonatal period is only 28 days yet it accounts for 38% of all deaths under 5 years of age. [2] The average neonatal mortality rate in developing countries is over eight times that prevailing in developed countries. [5] One in every 11 children born in Pakistan dies before reaching their fifth birthday. Pakistan accounts for 7% of global neonatal deaths. Over half of these deaths occur during the neonatal period. It is essential to understand the factors responsible for newborn morbidity and mortality to help in planning effective actions to enhance neonatal health
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