Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic Research Articles

Prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers attending immunization clinic in a primary health centre: A cross-sectional study

Prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers attending immunization clinic in a primary health centre: A cross-sectional study

Magnitude of self-harm and associated factors among postnatal mothers attending immunization clinics at public health facilities in Boneya Boshe Woreda, Western Ethiopia, 2023: institution-based cross-sectional study design.

Self-harm is a preventable, but a leading, cause of maternal morbidity and mortality all over the world, with a significant impact on healthcare systems. To assess the magnitude of self-harm and associated factors among postnatal mothers attending immunization clinics. An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed among postnatal mothers attending infant immunization clinics at public health facilities in Boneya Boshe Woreda, Western Ethiopia, 1 October to 30 October 2023. A pretested, face-to-face interviewer-administered structured questionnaire prepared by Kobo Toolbox was used to collect the data. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. The level of significance was declared at p-value <0.05 with a 95% CI. Among the 423 mothers enrolled in the study, 415 of them finally participated, at a response rate of 98.10%. The magnitude of self-harm was 12.53% (95% CI: 9.33, 15.73). Involvement of husband in maternity and child healthcare (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.10), depression (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 2.14, 6.94), loneliness (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.15, 5.40), postpartum intimate partner violence (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.01, 4.54), average monthly income (AOR = 3.70; 95% CI: 2.17, 10.50), and postnatal care (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.28, 5.80) were significantly associated factors. The study sought a magnitude of self-harm that was slightly higher than the previous study conducted in the northern part of Ethiopia. Therefore, healthcare providers should focus on identified factors during postnatal care to overcome them. Similarly, the concerned body should develop an effective strategy based on the identified factors to pay attention to postnatal mothers.

Factors Associated with Antenatal Care Visit Dropout among Mothers attending Immunization Clinic

Introduction: Developing nations continue to have high maternal mortality rates. Prenatal care helps to improve the mother's and the unborn child's health. The purpose of this study was to identify the variables linked to mothers' antenatal care visit dropout. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using the multi-stage sampling technique in the four urban and four rural randomly chosen municipalities of Morang district. In total, 134 postnatal mothers who skipped four focused ANC visits were chosen as study group and 266 postnatal mothers who completed four focused ANC visit from the same vaccination facilities were chosen as control group. Using a semi-structured questionnaire and the consecutive sampling approach, data were gathered through interviews. The final model was chosen by employing the backward elimination technique after doing bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: This study found that the majority (56.0%) of cases was from the age group of 21-30 years and 35.1% of cases were janajatis. The number of factors were linked to ANC dropout, including age (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.07-5.82), ethnicity (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.05-4.99), education (OR 4.64, 95% CI 1.99- 10.81), income (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.75- 6.95), and the existence of complications (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.54-2.44). Conclusion: The risk factors for ANC dropout were age, ethnicity, education, income, and the presence of complications during previous pregnancy. It suggests that efforts should be made to spread the information about the value of four focused ANC visits.

IMPACT OF BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING ON THE PREVALENCE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG NURSING MOTHERS IN URBAN AND RURAL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Background: Breastfeeding is essential for a child’s growth and existence. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended six months exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infant death reduction. However, poor knowledge and negative attitude towards EBF result in a decline in breastfeeding practice which is common in various underdeveloped nations including Nigeria. Objective: To compare the impact of knowledge of breastfeeding practices and attitude towards EBF on the prevalence of EBF among nursing mothers attending immunization clinics in rural and urban regions in Rivers State. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional research with 252 breastfeeding women who attended immunization clinics at the designated health facilities in Obio-Akpor and Emohua LGAs were recruited by systematic sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied for the data collection on socio-demographic factors, knowledge, attitude and breastfeeding practices. The data obtained were analyzed with SPSS version 3.2.2. Results: The overall knowledge of various breastfeeding practices and overall attitude toward EBF among the urban and rural participants were statistically significant (P-values= 0.003 &amp; 0.044) respectively. The prevalence of EBF among breastfeeding mothers in urban and rural regions were (66.7 &amp; 54.0%) respectively (P-value= 0.039). Conclusion: The knowledge of breastfeeding practices and overall positive attitude towards EBF and EBF practices are higher in urban than the rural regions of Rivers State. Recommendations: Breastfeeding practices should be considered as an important aspect of antenatal and postnatal health education. Advocacy on the importance of breastfeeding should be stepped up, especially in rural communities. KEYWORDS: Breastfeeding, Exclusive breastfeeding, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Prevalence, Urban, Rural, Rivers State.

Quality of Life among Postnatal Mothers attending Immunization Clinic of a Tertiary Level Hospital

Background: Postnatal period is a transition period marked by physical, emotional and relationship changes. Yet, the most neglected period than before and during childbirth. Quality of Life (QOL) is an individual's perception of their position in life in relation to their goals and expectations that indicates unmet needs and intervention outcomes. Demands made by childbirth on mother’s wellbeing can lead to poor QOL in postnatal period. Thus, the objective of the study was to identify QOL among postnatal mothers. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to find QOL. 217 postnatal mothers were selected using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using structured interview schedule containing WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics i.e. frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation to summarize data and inferential statistics i.e. independent t-test and one way ANOVA to compare domain scores with selected variables. Result: The highest mean score was on social relationship domain (70.06 ± 14.62) denoting highest QOL in this domain, followed by psychological (68.36 ± 17.90), Physical (67.08 ± 24.79) and environment domain (64.38 ± 16.59) respectively. Significant difference was found between domain scores and age, education, pregnancy type, ANC visit, delivery type, perineal trauma (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: QOL of postnatal mother tend to get affected by socio-demographic and obstetric factors. Improving quality and continuity of care from antenatal to postnatal period will help to improve QOL among postpartum mothers.

KNOWLEDGE REGARDING BREASTFEEDING - A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY AMONG POSTPARTUM MOTHERS IN A NORTH INDIAN STATE

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge regarding breastfeeding among postpartum mothers who attended immunization clinics in four maternity hospitals in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Setting: Four maternity hospitals in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Participants: 400 postpartum mothers (up to 6 months) Methods: The data was collected after obtaining University ethical clearance and administrative permissions from the four maternity hospitals in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. 400 postpartum mothers who attended the immunization clinics (up to 6 months) were approached through convenience sampling technique. The participants were explained about the purpose of the study. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the participants were selected. Informed consent was taken from the participants. The demographic data and breastfeeding related knowledge questionnaire was collected from the participants. Results: Only [46(11.5%)] postpartum mothers had good breastfeeding knowledge, [255(63.7%)] had average knowledge and [99(24.8%)] mothers had poor breastfeeding knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 4.94±1.92 (maximum score = 12 with mean score % = 41.16). Conclusions: Mothers knowledge is a key factor for improving breastfeeding rates. The majority of the mothers attending immunization clinics were having insufficient knowledge regarding breastfeeding. This underlines the need for the involvement of health care professionals in educating mothers about breastfeeding. Implications for Practice: While developing countries strive to increase institutional births, there is a growing demand for a healthy atmosphere for breastfeeding in health care facilities. Improving the knowledge of expecting mothers in the antenatal period itself can bring in a lot of change in practice of breastfeeding as breastfeeding knowledge is an important factor for improving breastfeeding outcomes. Antenatal counseling regarding breastfeeding, arrangement of child birth classes to couples, provision of guidance and support, are some of the steps which can enhance confidence in mothers and can lead to successful establishment of breastfeeding.

Knowledge, Attitude and Prevalence of Postpartum Depression among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinics in Osogbo Local Government, Osun State

Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications that occurs in mothers which has negative effects on the babies whose mothers were affected. The study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of postpartum depression. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for this study. A multistage sampling technique was used to enroll 250 nursing mothers from the total population using 8 health facilities in the location. Data was collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire which included a standardized tool (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS V21.0. Frequency, chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were used to give statistical responses and associations between the variables. The result of the analysis showed that the prevalence of postpartum depression was 33.6%. Majority (60%) of the respondents had fair knowledge of postpartum depression. More than half (52.4%) of the respondents had a moderate attitude towards postpartum depression. There was no statistically significant association between knowledge, attitude towards postpartum depression and prevalence of postpartum depression. There was a significant association between previous history of postpartum depression, occupation of the spouse and the prevalence of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is known to be a major public health concern for women of reproductive age. The study revealed a high prevalence rate of postpartum depression, it therefore recommended that the government should implement policies and also programs that would promote awareness and early recognition of postpartum depression.

A study on knowledge, practice and attitude towards exclusive breast feeding among mothers attending immunization clinic at selected rural health centers of Jabalpur district with view to develop health instructional module

A study on knowledge, practice and attitude towards exclusive breast feeding among mothers attending immunization clinic at selected rural health centers of Jabalpur district with view to develop health instructional module

Maternal knowledge and attitudes to childhood hearing loss and hearing services in the Pacific Islands: A cross-sectional survey protocol for urban and rural/remote Samoa

IntroductionThe successful implementation of ear and hearing health services for children depends on the support and engagement of primary caregivers. The World Health Organization recommends childhood hearing screening programs for all member states to enable early detection and intervention for children with hearing loss. Ear and hearing specialists are limited in the Pacific Islands, a region with one of the highest global rates of ear disease and hearing loss. Given that a significant proportion of childhood hearing loss is preventable through public health measures, collaboration with health promotion activities is recommended to improve primary caregiver knowledge of avoidable ear and hearing disorders among infants and young children. Previous work has examined the knowledge and attitudes of parents in an urban Pacific Island settings, and this study will investigate for differences between urban and rural/remote Pacific Island populations. Study designCross-sectional survey. MethodsQuestionnaire administered to mothers attending immunization clinics with their infants in urban (Apia) and rural/remote (Savai’i) Samoa. A 25-item questionnaire was formally translated from the original English into Samoan by an accredited translator in collaboration with an Ear, Nose and Throat registered nurse. It will be administered in a semi-structured interview style by a Health Promotion Officer in Samoan. The participating mothers are required to respond with ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ or ‘unsure.’ The questions assess knowledge of biomedical etiology of hearing impairment (9 questions), beliefs regarding non-biomedical etiology of hearing impairment (2 questions), knowledge of otitis media and its risk factors (5 questions), knowledge of hearing loss identification and intervention (4 questions), and attitudes towards hearing services for children (6 questions). ResultsNot applicable. Data to be collected. ConclusionWe publish these protocols to facilitate similar studies in other Low- and Middle-Income Countries, and especially among our Pacific Island neighbours.

Knowledge, Attitude and Willingness to Screen Younger Infants for Sickle Cell Disease among Mothers attending Immunization Clinic in an Urban Community in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Over 300,000 babies are born worldwide with sickle cell disease, mostly in low- and middle-income countries with the majority of these births in Africa. Nigeria has the largest population of people with sickle cell disease with about 150,000 children born with the disease every year. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and willingness to screen younger infants for sickle cell disease among mothers attending immunization clinic in an urban community in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at primary health care centres in Somolu Local Government Area in Lagos, Nigeria. Two hundred and ninety-one mother-infant pairs were consecutively recruited from August 2019 to January 2020. Data were collected with a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The analysis was done using SPSS version 22 software. Univariate and bivariate analysis were conducted with the level of significance set at p&lt;0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 29.9 ± 5.4 years. Most 212 (72.9%) were aware of sickle cell disease. One hundred and fifty-one (71.2%) of those who were aware of sickle cell disease had good knowledge while 148 (69.8%) had a positive attitude towards SCD prevention. Majority of the respondents 180 (84.9%) were willing to screen their infants for sickle cell disease. A statistically significant association was found between good knowledge and positive attitude towards SCD (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: There is the need for increased education of mothers of younger infants attending routine immunization clinic about SCD for better knowledge, attitude and willingness for early infants screening of SCD.

Factors Associated with Timing and Choice of Complementary Feed Among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinics in Jos, Nigeria

In Nigeria, Childhood Nutrition And Feeding Are Controlled And Influenced By A Lot Of Socio-Cultural Factors. The Timing Of Initiation Of Complementary Feeds Is A Critical Determinant Of The Nutritional Status Of Children Under Five Years Of Age. This Study, Therefore, Set Out To Ascertain The Factors Associated With The Timing Of Initiation Of Complementary Feeding Among Children Aged 4-24 Months Of Age, Attending Routine Immunization Clinics In Jos North LGA Of Plateau State, Nigeria. This Was A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional, Facility-Based Study, Using Both Quantitative And Qualitative Methods To Assess The Factors Associated With The Timing Of Initiation Of Complementary Feeding Among 210 Mothers Of Children Aged 4-12months. The FGD Showed That Mothers Relied On Past Experience And Finances To Determine The Timing Of Initiation Of Complementary Feed. Although No Socio-Demographic Variable Was Found To Be Statistically Associated With The Timing Of Commencement Of Complementary Feeding; More Women Commenced After 6months Of Age With Tertiary Education (68.3%), If The Child Was Female (70.4%) And If The Mother Was Younger Age Group (76.5%). A Larger Proportion Of The Mothers Initiated Complementary Feeding At The Time They Did, Either Because They Felt The Child Was Not Satisfied With Taking Only Breast-Milk (37.1%) Or Because They Felt It Was The Best Time To Start (36.2%). The Most Potent Influence For The Timing Of Complementary Feed Commencement Was Their Past Experience With Other Children.

Effect of Short Message Service On Prevention of Missed Childhood Immunization Among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinics in Selected Hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria

Effect of Short Message Service On Prevention of Missed Childhood Immunization Among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinics in Selected Hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria

Awareness of Libyan Mothers About Child Feeding Practices in Benghazi, Libya

Objective: The study aimed to assess the infant and child feeding practices and some aspects of knowledge and attitudes of mothers attending immunization clinics at maternal and child health care clinics (MCH) in Benghazi about breastfeeding and weaning. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study undertaken at child clinics in Benghazi, Libya 2007 -2008. Eleven clinics were chosen by use of simple random sampling. A total of 577 mothers were interviewed. Results: 89.0% of mothers were breastfed their baby and 11.0 % were used bottle fed at birth, 44.3% initiate breastfeeding at 1sth half an hour after birth, only 25.2% exclusively breastfed (EBF) their babies for the first 4-6 months, and 38.0 % of mothers continue breast feeding up to 24 months. More than eighty percent of women thought that breastfeeding is important. Conclusion: Although the study revealed that majority of mothers practiced breastfeeding at birth, and they had good knowledge and satisfactory attitude toward breastfeeding, but the study reported that more than half of mothers-initiated breast feeding late and poor practice of exclusively breastfed for 4-6 months. Training program for doctors and nurses and implantation of baby friendly hospitals initiatives.

Assessment of magnitude and predictors of postpartum depression among mothers attending immunization clinics in Bihar, India.

Background:Postpartum depression (PPD) is characterized by a protracted phase of emotional turmoil which ensues at the time of major life change and increased responsibilities in the upkeep of a newborn child. In fact, it represents a considerable public health problem and has been found to have multiple etiologies including sociodemographic, economical, psychosocial, obstetrical, and medical risk factors. Hence, this study was conducted with the objective of estimating the proportion of PPD among mothers attending the immunization clinics and its association with various sociodemographic and other risk factors.Methods:All eligible mothers (up to 3 months after delivery) attending the immunization clinics at the health centers were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire and relevant information on sociodemographic, obstetrical, and other psychosocial factors was obtained. PPD was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) where the cutoff score of ≥ 13 was considered as being at risk for PPD.Results:A total of 400 mothers were included. The overall proportion of PPD came out to be 15.0% (95% CI 11.83–18.83%) while the median EPDS score was 6.5. Logistic regression analysis revealed that Muslim religion, preterm or low birth weight baby, current medical illness, family pressure to have male child, lack of support from family networks, and domestic violence remained independent predictors of PPD.Conclusion:This study identified certain important risk factors for PPD. Thus, the sensitization of the primary healthcare providers and early screening and counseling of the mothers and their families is essential for reduction of associated morbidities and unfavorable outcomes.

Knowledge and Practice Regarding Pentavalent Vaccination and use of Multi Dose Open Vial Policy: Assessment of Mothers and Health Workers of a Rural Area of North, Haryana

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2020,10,3,110-113.DOI:10.5530/ijmedph.2020.3.23Published:September 2020Type:Original ArticleKnowledge and Practice Regarding Pentavalent Vaccination and use of Multi Dose Open Vial Policy: Assessment of Mothers and Health Workers of a Rural Area of North, HaryanaSuman, Arun Kumar Aggarwal, Bhavna Jain, Ajeet Singh Bhadoria, Kanchan Gawande, and Nishu Jha Suman1, Arun Kumar Aggarwal2, Bhavna Jain3, Ajeet Singh Bhadoria3,*, Kanchan Gawande3, Nishu Jha4 1Consultant NHSRC (National Health Systems Resource Centre), New Delhi, INDIA. 2School of Public Health, PGIMER, MD Community Medicine, Chandigarh, INDIA. 3Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, INDIA. 4School of Public Health, AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, INDIA. Abstract:Context: Immunization is one of the most important preventive health actions against the most childhood diseases. Advent of combination vaccines in immunization schedule such as Pentavalent Vaccine has given many benefits. Aim: To assess knowledge of mothers/ caregivers and health care workers regarding Pentavalent vaccine and side effects of vaccine. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Raipur Rani Block in Panchkula, Haryana. All four PHCs and one SC from each PHC of this block were selected. A total 80 mothers attending immunization clinics and 10 health workers (8 ANMs and 2 LHVs) from PHCs and SCs were enrolled in the study. Methods and Materials: Predesigned, pre-tested and semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information of mothers/caregivers of children and health workers regarding pentavalent vaccine. Statistical analysis used: Data was entered into excel sheets and analyzed using SPSS version 23 utilizing appropriate statistical methods. Results: In the present study 38.8% of mothers correctly knew about what vaccine was given to the baby on the day of immunization. Also 70% of mothers knew about side effects of the vaccine. 83.3% of health workers were aware of the diseases prevented by pentavalent vaccine. All of them had very good knowledge regarding VVM benefits, its uses and working. Conclusion: Present study indicates that lack of knowledge about the serious AEFI, inability to communicate with the clients and not adhering to open vial policy increases the chances of adverse events that can impact vaccination coverage. Keywords:AEFI, Immunization, Knowledge, Open Vial Policy, Pentavalent, practiceView:PDF (116.45 KB)

Parenting stress and coping strategies adopted among working and non-working mothers and its association with socio-demographic variables: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionDual responsibility of women as home maker and mother intensifies stress with respect to childcare and rearing in working mothers leading to lower quality of parent – child relationship, influencing the mental health of parents and children during their developing years. Objective(1) To determine and compare parenting stress among working and non-working mothers (2) To determine and compare coping strategies adopted by working and non-working mothers to combat parenting stress (3) Assess association of socio-demographic variables with parenting stress between the two groups. MethodologyIt is a Cross-sectional study, conducted among working and non-working mothers attending immunization clinic. Data on socio-demographic variables, parenting stress (parenting stress scale) and coping strategies (cope inventory) adopted was obtained through a self-administered, validated questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS V.24. Results13% of non-working women and 26% of working women experienced high stress and apart from working status of the mother, there was no significant statistical difference seen between the parenting stress scores with respect to any other socio-demographic variables under consideration. Significant difference was seen with respect to the scores of Religious coping (p = 0.020), Behavioural disengagement (p = 0.003) and Acceptance (p = 0.05) as coping strategies between the working and non-working mothers ConclusionsSignificant proportion of working mothers in comparison to non-working mothers had parenting stress, necessitating interventions in the form of promotion of mental health and provision of creche facility at work place.

Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic at Health Centresin Rivers State Nigeria: An Institutional-based Survey

Introduction: Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), is considered effective for children’s survival. The practice and duration of EBF still remain low. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of breastfeeding and factors preventing EBF practicesamong mothers attending Health Centres for immunization services in Rivers State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Participants (n=480) were mothers who delivered their babies 4-18 months before onset of the study and attended immunization clinic (Health Centres in Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria). An interviewer administered pre-tested, semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain the following information: their knowledge of EBF, their breast feeding practices, and reasons for not practicing EBF.&#x0D; Results: Majority (86.3%) had heard of EBF, having heard it from a health facility. Only 153 (32.0%) women agreed that colostrum should be fed to a new born. 338 (70.4%) responded that the duration of EBF is 6 months while 302 (62.1%) responded that breast feeding should be stopped immediately after the infant becomes one year old. 149 (31.0%) practiced EBF; EBF was significantly related to antenatal care attendance(p = 0.02),spousal support(p = 0.03) and parity (p = 0.003). Returning to work after childbirth was the main reason for not practicing EBF.&#x0D; Conclusion: Adequate information on the benefits and duration of breastfeeding is needed to enable effective breastfeeding. Support from the family and work place may enhance the practice of EBF in Rivers State.

Post-natal care uptake and associated factors among nursing mothers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Globally, postnatal care is a strategic public health intervention to aid significant reduction in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the level of postnatal care (PNC) uptake and associated factors among nursing mothers for improved maternal and newborn outcomes in Benin City, Edo State. Two hundred and twenty (220) nursing mothers attending immunization clinics in University of Benin Teaching hospital, Benin City were studied using a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 21.0 statistical software after sorting and collating researcher administered questionnaire. Results were represented as prose, frequency tables and figures, univariate and bivariate analysis to assess postnatal care uptake and associated factors was carried out with level of significance set at P&lt;0.050. Two hundred and five (93.2%) of the respondents studied registered and attended antenatal care (ANC) during pregnancy. One hundred and twenty-one (55.5%) of respondents studied had good knowledge of PNC, 190 (86.4%) had a positive attitude towards PNC, while 159 (72.3%) attended PNC. ANC registration (P&lt;0.001), knowledge of PNC (P=0.002) and attitude towards PNC (P=0.013) were identified as significant factors influencing PNC among nursing mothers. Postnatal care uptake was high among study participants. ANC registration was a major determinant of postnatal care uptake in the study area, in addition to also significantly influencing knowledge of PNC and attitude towards PNC among nursing mothers studied. There is need to sustain and improve on the gains of postnatal care (PNC) uptake among nursing mothers in Benin City, by promoting sensitizations campaigns to promote ANC registration and attendance among pregnant women.

Knowledge about Neonatal Danger Signs and Associated Factors among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic at Arba Minch General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The first 28 days of life (the neonatal period) constitute the most vulnerable time for a child's survival. Overall 2.7 million neonatal deaths were stated by the 2015 global report of neonatal mortality and they account for 45% of under-five deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the highest risk of death in the first month of life and is among the regions showing the least progress in reducing neonatal mortality in the world. Ethiopia, as part of sub-Saharan Africa, also shares the greatest risk of neonatal death. A recent report in Ethiopia showed that neonatal mortality was 29 deaths per 1,000 live births. Therefore, the signs that suggest the onset of severe illness which leads to death and their contributing factors should be identified. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge about neonatal danger signs and associated factors among mothers attending immunization clinic at Arba Minch General Hospital. Method Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed from Feb to April 2018. Systematic sampling technique was used to select a total of 345 mother-child pairs. A pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered using Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable analysis were carried out using binary logistic regression to check and test the association between dependent and explanatory variables. Model fitness was checked by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test. Result Nearly two-fifths (40.9%) of all mothers had good knowledge about neonatal danger signs (95% CI; 35.7, 46.4). Close to thirty-three percent of mothers identified child's body hotness (fever) as a neonatal danger sign. Maternal educational status (AOR: 5.64; 95% CI: 1.68, 18.95) and attendance of postnatal care (AOR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.36, 5.15) were significantly associated with maternal knowledge about neonatal danger signs in multivariable analysis. Conclusion Even though considerable improvement has been achieved over the past decades as a result of expanded coverage of maternal and childcare services, still there are a significant number of mothers who have limited knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Therefore, interventional strategies that stress strengthening maternal education and ANC follow-up should be extended.

Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic in a Tertiary Health Facility in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Breastfeeding is cost effective means towards the realization of some key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030 particularly in resource limited settings. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding duration among mother and child pairs utilizing a tertiary immunization clinic facility. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Respondents were mother-and-child pairs who were recruited consecutively. Relevant maternal and child characteristics were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 (p < 0.05). Results: Four hundred and twenty seven mother-child pairs were studied. Majority of the mothers have at least secondary education, 383 (80.7%). 407 (95.3%) of the mothers fully understood the actual meaning of EBF. 189 (42.7%) reported practicing EBF in their index child for six months. Maternal perception of insufficient milk production, 52/99 (52.5%) was the most common reason for practicing EBF for <6 months among respondents. Maternal education and occupation and gender of the child were significantly associated with completion of EBF for 6 months among respondents. Conclusion: EBF duration in the current study is low and is significantly associated with maternal education, maternal occupation and gender of the child. Improving girl child education, complementing baby friendly hospital initiative with baby friendly community initiative should be adopted to improve EBF duration in our setting.