Neonatal Hypothermia: Mothers’ Knowledge and Practice at a Provincial Hospital in Rwanda

Abstract

Background Globally, 2.5 million neonates die each year from hypothermia. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers neonatal hypothermia as a decrease of axillary temperature in infants below 36.5° Celsius. New mothers, or the nearest caregivers, should be aware that hypothermia is a newborn danger sign, in order to apply best practices regarding neonatal hypothermia prevention to reduce subsequent mortality. Objective To assess mothers’ knowledge and practice of neonatal hypothermia at a selected provincial hospital in Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling method were used to select 161 mothers with living babies. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. Results About 97% of mothers had inadequate knowledge, and the majority (83%) had inadequate neonatal hypothermia practices. Predictor variables for knowledge were ANC attendance (OR=1.884, 95% CI=1.675-2.565, p=0.042) and secondary educational level (OR=1.787, 95% CI=1.521-2.187, p=0.032). Practice was significantly associated with educational level (OR=1.787, 95% CI=1.521-2.187, p=0.032). Conclusion There is a need to increase a mother's evidence-based practice of neonatal hypothermia. This condition unchecked leads to high-risk life-threatening complications. Prevention should emphasize on observed gaps to decrease deaths related to neonatal hypothermia.