International Journal of Tropical Medicine
ISSN: Online 1818-779XISSN: Print 1816-3319
Abstract
Neonatal danger signs contribute to delayed care‐seeking. This cross‐sectional study investigates the awareness of neonatal danger signs and bad child‐rearing practices among postnatal mothers in Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu. A sample of 245 mothers who gave birth within the last six months was assessed using structured interviews. The results highlight significant gaps in maternal knowledge, particularly regarding harmful traditional practices, underscoring the need for educational interventions to improve neonatal health outcomes. The objective is to determine the awareness and knowledge of neonatal danger signs and bad child‐rearing practices among women who gave birth in the last 6 months in a rural area so that appropriate interventions can be done to improve their knowledge. A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in a primary health center in the Perambalur district from May 2023 to May 2024. Using random sampling, 245 mothers who had given birth in the past six months were recruited. Data were collected using a semi‐structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire, focusing on sociodemographic factors, neonatal danger signs and harmful child‐rearing practices. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16, with Chi‐square tests, t‐tests and multivariable logistic regression applied to explore relationships between knowledge and sociodemographic variables. Among the 245 mothers, 57.6% had received education up to diploma level or higher and 91.4% were housewives. While all mothers were able to identify at least five neonatal danger signs, 55.5% demonstrated poor knowledge of harmful child‐rearing practices. Mothers with higher educational qualifications and those who attended more antenatal and postnatal care visits had significantly better knowledge of neonatal danger signs and safer child‐rearing practices. This study reveals notable gaps in maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs and harmful practices, particularly in less‐educated and lower‐income groups. Frequent antenatal and postnatal visits were associated with improved maternal knowledge, suggesting that increased healthcare engagement may be crucial in addressing neonatal mortality in rural areas. Public health initiatives should focus on community‐based education to address these gaps and enhance maternal knowledge of neonatal care.
How to cite this article:
. Awareness About Neonatal Danger Signs and Bad Child‐Rearing Practices among Postnatal Mothers of Perambalur District, Tamilnadu‐A Community Based Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makijtm.2024.4.39.44
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1816-3319/10.36478/makijtm.2024.4.39.44