Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Essential Newborn Care among Postnatal Mothers Attending Health Facilities in a Rural District, Eastern Uganda. A Cross-Sectional Community study

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Abstract Background: Neonatal mortality remains a public health concern in developing countries such as Uganda. Three-quarters of all newborn deaths occur in the first week of life, with 50% occurring during the first 24-hours. The World Health Organization developed essential newborn care measures to improve neonatal outcomes.This study aimed at determining maternal knowledge attitude and practices towards essential newborn care in Mbale district, Eastern Uganda.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey employing quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted at selected health facilities in Mbale district. 366 postnatal mothers were interviewed using a structured pretested and validated questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed using closed-ended questions; a score of ‘one’ was allocated for ‘correct knowledge’ and ‘zero’ for ‘incorrect knowledge’. The attitude was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Practices were evaluated through open-ended questions and by 15 in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.0 and Nvivo version 11.0Results: The majority, 341(93.2%) of the mothers, knew the signs of eye infection. All the mothers, 366(100%) knew about thermal care. The majority of the mothers, 315(86.1%) didn’t know the disease prevented by the BCG vaccine. Most 260(71.4%) didn’t know the dangers of leaving an umbilical stump wet. Most mothers, 332(91.0%) agreed that skin-to-skin contact should be ensured and warm clothing be provided to the neonate. The majority 352(96.2%) of the mothers practiced skin-to-skin contact as a thermal protective measure. A few mothers, 65(17.8%) did not bathe their babies within 24 hours of birth. Poor cord care practices like the use of gecko droppings were still in existence in the community. Mothers practised and described exclusive breastfeeding as cheap and affordable with all food values.Conclusion: There was good knowledge and positive attitude towards WHO essential newborn care but knowledge on some aspects of cord care and immunization was still lacking. Postnatal mothers demonstrated unsatisfactory practices towards essential newborn care. There is a need to educate mothers during antenatal visits, postnatal clinics, and Young Child Clinic to improve their knowledge on immunization and cord care and practice essential newborn care measures.

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