BackgroundNeonates are at a greater risk of infection, but data on the maternal knowledge and practice of infection prevention in neonates (IPNs) are scarce. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors associated with maternal knowledge and practice of IPNs in North Dayi District, Ghana.MethodsThis was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted among 612 mothers. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection adapted from previous studies and the IPN guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Bivariable analyses were performed to determine the association between maternal knowledge and practice of IPNs and sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors.ResultsAnalysis showed that less than one-fifth of the mothers (12.9%) had poor knowledge of IPNs, while 21.6% incorrectly practiced it. Mothers who had poor knowledge of IPNs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 13.33 (95% CI: 7.69–23.26), p < 0.001] were more likely to have a poor practice of IPNs.ConclusionAbout one-fifth of the mothers in this study had poor knowledge or poor practice of IPNs according to the WHO’s guidelines. The Health Directorate of North Dayi District should explore the risk factors associated with poor IPNs and increase successful guideline adherence with intensified educational outreach and campaigns.

The period of pregnancy is a very important aspect of fetal growth and development. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy is associated with fetal macrosomia. Generally, delays in low maternal weight gain have been linked to limitations in fetal growth and development, and there is some evidence that low maternal weight gain is associated with an increased risk of pre-term delivery. Objective: To determine the effect of hyperlipidaemia during pregnancy on neonatal growth and birth weight. Methodology: This was a prospective cross sectional study on pregnant who delivered between (1-6) weeks and non pregnant women as a control. Result: There was significant difference between TG of the exposed group (0.87 ± 0.29) mmol/L versus the controls (0.75 ± 0.31) mmol/L p = 0.04. T.CHOL was also significant between the exposed (4.45 ± 0.75) mmol/L and controls (4.03 ± 1.04) mmol/L p = 0.029. Comparing LDL-C of both groups was (2.71 ± 0.79) mmol/L for the cases and (2.26 ± 0.75) mmol/L for the controls a p = 0.005. Also there was a significant difference between HDL-C of the exposed (1.28 ± 0.33) mmol/L and controls (1.45 ± 0.44) mmol/L p = 0.044. There was no correlation between baby's weight and maternal BMI, p = 0.950. Postnatal lipids did not also show relationship with baby's weight. Dyslipidaemia during the postpartum period did not reflect a subsequent increase in birth weight. Conclusion: Generally, the study demonstrated strongly that BMI does not affect birth weight especially in women who are overweight and obese. More so, dyslipidaemia during the postpartum period (1-6) weeks did not correlate or reflect a subsequent increase in birth weight and a possible obesity in later life.