Factors associated with adoption of beneficial newborn care practices in rural Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundBeneficial newborn care practices can improve newborn survival. However, little is known about the factors that affect adoption of these practices.MethodsCross-sectional study conducted among 1,616 mothers who had delivered in the past year in two health sub-districts (Luuka and Buyende) in Eastern Uganda. Data collection took place between November and December 2011. Data were collected on socio-demographic and economic characteristics, antenatal care visits, skilled delivery attendance, parity, distance to health facility and early newborn care knowledge and practices. Descriptive statistics were computed to determine the proportion of mothers who adopted beneficial newborn care practices (optimal thermal care; good feeding practices; weighing and immunizing the baby immediately after birth; and good cord care) during the neonatal period. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to assess the covariates of adoption of all beneficial newborn care practices. Analysis was done using STATA statistical software, version 12.1.ResultsOf the 1,616 mothers enrolled, 622 (38.5 %) were aged 25-34; 1,472 (91.1 %) were married; 1,096 (67.8 %) had primary education; while 1,357 (84 %) were laborers or peasants. Utilization of all beneficial newborn care practices was 11.7 %; lower in Luuka (9.4 %, n = 797) than in Buyende health sub-district (13.9 %, n = 819; p = 0.005). Good cord care (83.6 % in Luuka; 95 % in Buyende) and immunization of newborn (80.7 % in Luuka; 82.5 % in Buyende) were the most prevalent newborn care practices reported by mothers. At the multivariable analysis, number of ANC visits (3-4 vs. 1-2: Adjusted (Adj.) Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.69, 95 % CI = 1.13, 2.52), skilled delivery (Adj. OR = 2.66, 95 % CI = 1.92, 3.69), socio-economic status (middle vs. low: Adj. OR = 1.57, 95 % CI = 1.09, 2.26) were positively associated with adoption of all beneficial newborn care practices among mothers.ConclusionAdoption of all beneficial newborn care practices was low, although associated with higher ANC visits; middle-level socio-economic status and skilled delivery attendance. These findings suggest a need for interventions to improve quality ANC and skilled delivery attendance as well as targeting of women with low and high socio-economic status with newborn care health educational messages, improved work conditions for breastfeeding, and supportive policies at national level for uptake of newborn care practices.

Predictors of infant-survival practices among mothers attending paediatric clinics in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria

“…Contrary to findings by Bolam and colleagues (1998) [23] which opined that health information and counselling had no positive impact on infant care practices, this study revealed a significant association between health-literacy of mothers and infant-survival practices (B = 0.385; β = 0.320; R 2 = 0.102; P˂0.001). This result is however consistent with some studies that opine that behaviour-change geared towards infant care and reduction of infant mortality can be achieved by health education and counselling of caregivers of infants [14,15]. These recent findings may be as a result of changes that have occurred in these domains over time.…”

“…Fehling et al (2013) asserted that a link exists between the skilfulness of health care providers and maternal and child health [12]. Behaviour-change in mothers to enhance their self-efficacy in ascertaining infant-survival will be as a result of comprehensible counselling [13], health educational messages and skilled delivery [14,15]. Adebowale and colleagues (2012) observed that sociodemographic attributes such as age and educational status of mothers affect infant care with children born in maternal and child health-facility deprived areas being more likely to die than those born in better places [16].…”

Predictors of infant-survival practices among mothers attending paediatric clinics in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria

“…Contrary to ndings by Bolam and colleagues (1998) [25] which opined that health information and counselling had no positive impact on infant care practices, this study revealed a signi cant association between health-literacy of mothers and infant-survival practices (R 2 =0.101; P 0.05). This result is however consistent with some studies that suggested that behaviour-change geared towards infant care and reduction of infant mortality can be achieved by health education and counselling of caregivers of infants [14,15]. These recent ndings may be because of changes that have occurred in these domains over time.…”

“…Fehling et al (2013) asserted that a link exists between the skilfulness of health care providers and maternal and child health outcomes [12]. Behaviour-change in mothers to enhance their self-e cacy in ascertaining infant-survival will be because of comprehensible counselling [13], clear health education messages and skilled delivery [14,15]. Adebowale and colleagues (2012) observed that sociodemographic attributes such as age and educational status of mothers affect infant care, with children born in maternal and child health-facility deprived areas being more likely to die than those born in better established places [16].…”

Infection control and treatment guidelines and neonatal mortality in a rural hospital in Uganda

“…been highlighted as contributing factors to the high neonatal mortality rate in Uganda [3,4]. In low income countries the loss of a child can lead to divorce and social isolation [5].…”