Socio-Economic Factors and Knowledge Influencing Newborn Care Practices: Experience at Dhaka Shishu Hospital

Abstract

Reducing maternal and neonatal mortality remains a big challenge for a developing country like
Bangladesh. Mothers’ knowledge in neonatal care plays an important role in bringing down the
mortality as well as morbidity. This study was conducted in Dhaka Shishu Hospital during the
period of December 2007 to February 2008 and was based on primary data collected on socioeconomic
status, knowledge and practice of mothers of neonates attending the hospital. A total of 400 mothers
were interviewed. More than fifty percent mothers had an appropriate knowledge on feeding neonates,
hand washing before handling neonates, care of eye, care of umbilicus and they were practicing as
well. Where as less than fifty percent mothers had appropriate knowledge on keeping neonates
warm, cutting hair, bathing, vaccination, oil massage and their practice rate also commensurate
well with their knowledge level. Majority of the mothers were in the age group of 21-25 years,
having completed primary education or passed SSC exam. They were house wives living in an urban
area, with a monthly family income of 3000-7000 taka. Statistically significant association was
found between socio demographic variables and knowledge and practices on neonatal care of the
mothers.

Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2010; 4(1): 17-20

Key words: Socio-economic factors; knowledge and practices; neonatal care

DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v4i1.5930