Knowledge, Practice and Techniques of Umbilical Cord Care among Mothers in Nwezenyi, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Umbilical cord care is the handling of the umbilical stump of new-born after delivery. Hygienic umbilical cord care is important for the well-being of the newborn infant. The study was to assess the knowledge, practice and techniques of umbilical cord care among mothers in Primary Health Care centre in Nwezenyi, Ebonyi State, Nigeria .

Methodology: The study was cross-sectional descriptive in design. Systematic sampling method was used to select 222 participants. Data were collected with semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.

Results: The study showed high (83.3%) awareness of umbilical cord care and low (11.7%) knowledge of proper material (chlorhexidine) for umbilical cord care, poor (8.1%) practice of the use of correct material. Factors influencing the choice of material used are cost (16.7%), availability (17.1%), convenience (10.4%), “works faster” (20.7%) and “type respondent is aware of” (35.1%).

Conclusion: High awareness of umbilical cord care management in this study did not commensurately translate to use of correct materials for its care. Thus, there was high risk of neonatal infection including neonatal tetanus. Focused health education to mothers will help improve their knowledge, practice and the use of correct material in umbilical cord care to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.