A Study to Assess the Essential Newborn Care Practices among Primipara Mothers at Government District Hospital, Tumkur, Karnataka, India

Background: An estimated 3.1 million neonates die each year globally, and 99% of these deaths occur in low-income countries Promotion of essential newborn care practices is one strategy for improving newborn health outcomes that can be delivered in communities as well as facilities. The present study was designed to assess the practices on essential newborn care among primipara mothers at District Hospital, Tumkur, Karnataka, India.

Methodology: The data were collected on practices of primipara mothers of new born baby's. It is believed that mothers were the first nurse who take care and meet the primary needs of the new born babies during wellness and illness. Sample size was 100 primipara mothers. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample. The data collection was done by interview method, using structured questionnaire which includes 40 questions of practices regarding essential new born care with scoring pattern of one for each correct answer and zero for incorrect response.

Results: The results of the study were indicating about above 28% of mothers had good practice, 62% mothers had moderate practice and below 10% of mothers had poor practice related to essential new born care.

Conclusions: The in-depth qualitative studies are needed to explore the reasons for different traditional practices. The high-risk traditional newborn care practices like delayed wrapping, bathing immediately after birth, mustard oil massage, applying cow dung, ash, herbal mixture on the umbilical stump, pre lacteal feeding and discarding colostrums need to be addressed by culturally acceptable community-based health education programmes. Improving newborn care and newborn health outcomes in India will likely require a multifaceted approach.