Evaluation of awareness of neonatal care practices among postnatal mothers in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of the puerperal mothers regarding new born care and to find out the association of their knowledge and practice with some socio demographic factors. Research design: Observational, epidemiological and cross-sectional study. Methods and procedures: Mothers were classified according to some socio demographic factors. Each mother was given a questionnaire comprising of 25 questions on knowledge and 13 questions on practice of newborn care. For each correct response 1 point and for each incorrect response 0 point was allotted. Finally the total score was computed. Knowledge was categorized as inadequate (score 0-7), satisfactory (score 8-16) or adequate (score 17-25). Practice was categorized as inadequate (score 0-4), satisfactory (5-9) or adequate (10-14). Chi-square test was applied to determine whether any statistical correlation existed between the socio-demographic profiles and knowledge and practices. A p value of <0.05 was considered to be significant. Main outcomes and results: Answers of 189 mothers were analyzed. Most of them had satisfactory knowledge (91.5 %). Majority of them had adequate practice (54 %). Number of working mothers showing adequate knowledge was significantly greater than that of house wives (p= 0.009). Higher education level was found to be associated with more adequate knowledge (p= 0.046). Mothers getting knowledge from mass media showed significantly more adequate knowledge (p= 0.03) than those receiving knowledge from relatives, friends and health professionals. Mothers belonging to high socio economic status showed significantly more adequate knowledge (p= 0.0015). Conclusions: Maternal knowledge and practice about new born care play vital roles in prevention of neonatal death. Some socio demographic factors may bear associations with the knowledge and practice of the mothers. Educating the mothers and also their family members plays a pivotal role. Health professionals should overcome the language and communication barrier.