KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING NEWBORN CARE AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA

Dr. Sunil Gavhane; Dr. Sachin Dhule; Dr. Jagruti Mahale; Dr. Harshal Tukaram Pandve

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING NEWBORN CARE AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA

Dr. Sunil Gavhane, Dr. Sachin Dhule, Dr. Jagruti Mahale, Dr. Harshal Tukaram Pandve

Abstract :

Background: A set of Essential Newborn Care (ENC) practices have been proven to decrease in neonatal morbidity and mortality. Mother�s knowledge, attitude and practices related to proper neonatal care is an important predictor of neonatal mortality. Aim: The present study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude of neonatal care practices among post natal mothers in a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Neonatology division of MGM medical college and hospital, Aurangabad from May 2016 to August 2016. A structured questionnaire in the form of multiple choice questions was developed to detect knowledge level of post natal mothers on newborn care. Results: A total of 100 postnatal mothers aged between 19 to 29 years, with an average of 22.1�2.33 years were included in the study. Majority of them (91%), knew the importance of providing warmth to the baby. Almost all the mothers didn�t supported the use of gripe water, oil instillation into mouth or nostrils and application of cow dung on umbilical cord stump. Almost all (96%) women knew the importance of immunization for their babies. Among them 76% mothers were aware of proper technique (Warm clothes + Kangaroo care) of keeping baby warm Conclusion: Knowledge and practices regarding newborn care among postnatal mothers in a tertiary care hospital were fairly good.