NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY (NIJPP)

Volume 3 Issue 3 2023

Knowledge And Practices of Umbilical Cord Care Among Mothers Attending Post Natal Clinic At Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District

Sekyondwa David

Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kampala International University,  Uganda.

ABSTRACT

Globally, 2·9 million new born babies die of neonatal sepsis each year which as a result of poor cord care, in sub-Saharan Africa, it has been reported that about 3.3 million neonatal deaths occur annually of which more than 30% are caused by infections of which some of these start as umbilical cord infections and neonatal sepsis accounted for 60% of neonatal admissions at KIUTH in 2019/2020.To determine knowledge and practices on umbilical cord care among post-natal mothers at KIUTHA cross-sectional study design was used to determine the knowledge and practices on umbilical cord care among post-natal mothers Primary data was be obtained using a structured questionnaire administered in English and Runyankole languages. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel in which it was sorted, organized and checked for completeness then imported into STATAv15 for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed for each categorical variable. To test for associations between the categorical variables that was found to be statistical associated with knowledge and practices were tested in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The level of significance was set at 5% and a p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results were presented in tables as frequencies and /or percentages, means, adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p values.The study population was largely made up of middle aged mothers between 21 – 30yrs (52.98%), with majority having obtained Primary level education at 36.90% and 41.07% of peasantry background with majority of para 2-3 (63.10%). Majority of the mothers 124 (73.81%) have heard about standard umbilical cord care while 44 (26.91%) where oblivious of standard umbilical cord care. Maternal knowledge on umbilical cord care improved with increased education and better source of income (peasant, salary employment or business) (OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.1 – 2.9, p=0.04) and income source or mother’s occupation (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.5 – 2.4, P=0.04) showed significant independent association with good knowledge on postnatal umbilical code care. Mothers attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital have optimal knowledge of umbilical cord care for new born babies, however the level is limited by lack of sufficient education about the subject. Umbilical cord care practices KIUTH are not standardized with different materials and methods of care preferred by different mothers although the preferences are determined by a range of social and economic factors.

Keywords: Knowledge, Practices, Umbilical Cord Care, Mothers

INTRODUCTION

Globally, 2·9 million new born babies die of neonatal sepsis each year which as a result of poor cord care and has emerged as a principal challenge to further reductions in neonatal mortality [1]. Severe cord sepsis is one of the top three causes of neonatal death worldwide causing 13 % of all neonatal death [2]. In sub-Saharan Africa, it has been reported that about 3.3 million neonatal deaths occur annually of which more than 30% are caused by infections of which some of these start as umbilical cord infections [3].According to a study done in Zambia, optimal umbilical cord care practices for newborns during the first week of life, especially in settings with poor hygiene, has the potential to avoid these preventable neonatal deaths and that harmful traditional cord-care practices are often cited as an important public health concern [4]. [5],  reported that the umbilical cord area supports growth of some innocuous or beneficial microorganisms (commensals) whereas others are harmful for example, Clostridium tetani and therefore its necessary to properly care for the cord after birth. Sources of these bacteria include the mother’s birth canal, the environment in which the neonate is delivered and hands of the person assisting with the delivery [6-8]. Cord infection may be localized to the umbilical cord (omphalitis) or, after entry into the blood stream, become systemic [9]. [10], reported that nearly a third of the neonatal deaths are associated with infections for example omphalitis and this proportion is higher in areas and countries where nearly half of the births occur at home, such as Uganda and infections of the umbilical cord stump (omphalitis) are a significant contributor to these infections in new born babies in developing countries.In Uganda, over 50% of the mothers apply various substances to the cord of their babies to quicken the healing and most of the mothers do not bathe their babies within the first 24 hours of birth [11].

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CITE AS: Sekyondwa David (2023). Knowledge and Practices of Umbilical Cord Care among Mothers Attending Post Natal Clinic At Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY (NIJPP) 3(3):43-49.

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