Cord Care Practices and Omphalitis among Neonates Aged 3 - 28 Days at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Omphalitis (umbilical cord infection) among new-borns is common and a major cause of neonatal deaths in developing countries. Annually about 4 million neonatal deaths occur around the world; of these, more than 30% are caused by infections. Majority of these infections start as umbilical cord infection. Objective: The aim of the present study was to establish cord care practices associated with omphalitis among neonates aged 3 -28 days at Pumwani Maternity Hos-pital, Kenya. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study was employed among 178 mothers with neonates of 3 -28 days. Participants were selected systematically and data was collected on new-born cord care practices. Omphalitis was defined as pus discharge, redness with or without pus and swelling of umbilical cord. Pearson's chi-square test (P < 0.05) was performed to compare the significant discrepancies. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence interval were also used to determine the strength of association between omphalitis and cord care practices. Results: Among 178 neonates, 67 (37.6%) were diagnosed with omphalitis. In logistic regression analysis, the main predictors of omphalitis were initiation of breastfeeding after one hour of delivery [AOR = 2.47; 95%CI = 1.15 -5.30; P < 0.05] compared to within one hour and ap-plication of saliva to the cord [AOR = 6.59; 95%CI = 2.02 -21.46; P < 0.01] compared to dry cord. Conclusion: The prevalence of omphalitis among neonates was high. Health workers need to par-ticipate in educating the mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour and to avoid applica-tion of harmful cord care practices.