knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care of newborns at Kagando Hospital Postnatal Ward, Kasese District
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Date
2017-09
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences
Abstract
This study was carried out with the aim to assess knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care of newborns in Kagando hospital postnatal ward, Kisinga sub County, Kasese district. The study objectives included; assessing knowledge of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care at Kagando hospital and determining the practices of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care of newborns at Kagando hospital postnatal ward, Kisinga sub County, Kasese district. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A convenient sample of 36 respondents from Kagando hospital postnatal ward completed a set of administered questionnaires. Findings revealed that all respondents interviewed 36(100%) had ever heard about umbilical cord care of newborns, 20(55.5%) of the respondents obtained information from relatives. 26(72.2%) were aware of the recommended cord care practices including using separate utensils like basins and clothes, 17(47.2%) strongly agreed that good cord care is important in maintaining the health of the baby 24(66.7%) of the respondents mentioned that they clean the cord once a day, 27(75%) agreed that they are required by culture to apply local substances to the cord. 18(67%) specified apply other substances like toothpaste, milk, baby powder, powder from roasted sweet potatoes, shoe polish, and jelly. 14(38.9%) of the respondents mentioned using any sharp instrument available for cutting the cord of newborns. This study concluded that some respondents had accurate knowledge regarding umbilical cord care. All respondents had ever heard about umbilical cord care of newborns and were aware of the recommended newborn cord care practices with an average percentage of 37.8% and they strongly agreed that good cord care is important in maintaining the health of the baby. All respondents had negative practices regarding umbilical cord care of newborns as most reported applying local substances on to the umbilical cord such as toothpaste, jelly, milk and roasted sweet potato powder. Most respondents also reported cleaning the cord only once per day and were using any sharp instruments for cutting the cord of newborns. The recommendations included abstaining from risky cord care practices, utilization of postnatal care services by postnatal mothers. Training of traditional birth attendant and including them in the existing health care system, intensifying health education information regarding umbilical cord care, increasing tetanus toxoid immunization for all women in child bearing age. Revision of national policies and standards of umbilical cord care, leaders using their influence to sensitize the community about risks of poor cord care practices
Description
A research report submitted to Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examinations Board in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the A ward of a Diploma in General Nursing of Ministry of Education and Sports
Keywords
Postnatal Mothers, Umbilical Cord Care, Newborn, Kagando Hospital Postnatal Ward,, Kasese District