Objectives: To assess newborn care knowledge and practices among mothers.
Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 170 mothers accompanying their infants attending the Paediatric Out Patient Department were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Areas of inquiry included Antenatal care seeking, delivery care, cord care, eye care, bathing and breastfeeding practices.Results: Ninety-two percent mothers reported at least one antenatal care visit. Tetanus Toxoid coverage was 88%. Home deliveries were 18%. Seventy-four percent reported applying various substances like coconut oil, mustard oil, purified butter and turmeric to the cord stump. Kohl application to newborn's eyes was 68%, while 86% reported first bath within 24hrs of birth. 48% mothers initiated breastfeeding within 2 hours of delivery. Colostrum was discarded by 43% and prelacteal feeds given by 73%. Exclusive Breast Feeding rate was 26%.Family income of Rs.10, 000 (USD120) or less / month and maternal education level of primary or less were significantly associated with home delivery, unhygienic cord care and kohl application to the newborn's eyes. Home delivery was a risk factor for poor cord care (OR=4.07) and discarding colostrum (OR= 3.18).
Conclusion:Antenatal care coverage was good, but knowledge regarding newborn care was poor. Harmful practices regarding newborn care were prevalent among mothers. Institutional deliveries did not guarantee optimal practices. Tradition and culture played a significant role. Health education can improve the mothers' knowledge regarding newborn care practices.
Working conditions along with socioeconomic conditions create situations that can lead to ill health. The lowincome population has a lower life expectancy compared to those earning higher incomes 1-3 and is more likely to suffer from many chronic health problems including diabetes, hypertension and obstructive lung diseases. 4-9 The increasing incidence of trauma affects all parts of our society 10 and more often than not those affected are poorly managed due to lack of proper treatment mainly due to insufficient resources. 11
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