Essential Newborn Care Among Postnatal Mothers at Selected Health Centers in Eastern Province, Rwanda

Abstract

Background Rwanda's neonatal mortality rate is 20/1000 live births, and the country aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of 12 deaths per 1000 live births, or less, by 2030. Countries have decreased newborn deaths, infections, and intensive care unit admissions using the evidenced-based 'Essential Newborn Care' (ENC) guidelines established by the World Health Organization. Objective To assess postnatal mothers’ knowledge and practice of Essential Newborn Care in Kayonza District, Rwanda. Method A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to assess 192 postnatal mothers at the six-week vaccination services at two health facilities. Data collection using a valid questionnaire occurred from February 28 to March 2, 2019. Data analysis included descriptive and binary logistic regression. Results The majority (65.1%) had good ENC knowledge and practice, whereas a third (34.9%) had poor knowledge and practice. Significant gaps in ENC included timing of breastfeeding 33(17.2%), cord care 32(16.7%), and thermoregulation of small birth weight newborns 6(3.1%). Significant associations with ENC included maternal age (p=0.003), and ENC education postpartum (p=0.020). Conclusion The overall knowledge and practice of ENC are encouraging in this population, particularly with ENC education given postpartum, and older mothers. However, major gaps included evidenced-based cord care, thermoregulation, and breastfeeding, particularly among younger mothers.