Newborn care practices in Nakapiripirit District, North Eastern Uganda: A community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Despite improved health facility deliveries in Uganda, the neonatal mortality rate has only improved marginally over the last three decades. Karamoja region in North-Eastern Uganda has one of the poorest health indicators. One of the drivers of these neonatal deaths is sub-optimal care for newborns in the community. This study was used to assess the status of Beneficial Newborn Care Practices (BNCP) at community level in Nakapiripirit District in Uganda. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study in rural Nakapiripirit, North-Eastern Uganda. A total of 181 mothers who had delivered in the last six months were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Quantitative data on household characteristics of BNCP were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. The BNCP was dichotomized and presented as a percentage, with Yes=1=adequately used, and No=0=inadequately used. Logistic regression (odds ratio) analysis was used to determine the factors associated with BNCP at a 5% significance level. Results: The mean age of mothers was 28 years (SD=7). A few 29 (16.02%) mothers adhered to dry safe cord care (did not apply any substance such as oil, ointment, herbs, and animal products like ghee, butter and cow dung). A total of 107 (59.12%) mothers practiced optimal thermal care (delayed first bath, wrapped in cloths, constantly bathed with warm water and kangaroo mother care) and only very few 16 (8.84%) mothers practiced early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding. The factors that significantly influenced BNCP were the level of education of mother 3.56(3.0-91.42), and place of birth -3.44(-50- -2.86). Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of beneficial newborn care practices in Nakapiripirit was very low at 8.84%, with the level of education of the mother and place of birth highlighted as responsible factors. Refocus the need for adult education for mothers by strengthening adult basic education in the district as well as in the region. Improve demand creation through the strengthened and supported VHT system to promote early and complete ANC attendance, and facility delivery. Implement quality improvement learning sessions where community quality improvement health workers like VHTs are called upon on quarterly basis to improve and promote beneficial newborn care practices.