Survey of Umbilical Cord care and Separation time in Healthy Newborns in Kano

Abstract

hundred and forty nine (60.9. p e r c e n t ) m o t h e r s a p p l i e d methylated spirit, 145 (25.3 percent) used hot compress, while 50 (8.7 percent) applied toothpaste on the cord. Twenty (3.5 percent) others applied herbs, while nine (1.6 percent) applied dusting powder to the umbilical stump. C o r d s e p a r a t i o n t i m e w a s significantly shorter among babies whose mothers were of high parity, unbooked, and of low educational status. In addition, the use of razor blade, thread, hot compress or application of herbal preparations o r t o o t h p a s t e s i g n i f i c a n t l y shortened the separation time (P<0.05).Cord separation time and cord care practices varied. Nigerian mothers often use unorthodox interventions to shorten cord separation time; however, the risk of omphalitis that may result from this is real. We recommend that each centre should adopt and teach mothers a standard hygienic c o r d c a r e p r a c t i c e w h i l e discouraging the use of herbs and untested materials. A b s t r a c t B a c k g ro u n d :Objectives: M e t h o d s :Results:

Assessment of knowledge and cord care practices among pregnant women in selected PHCs in Jos metropolis, Plateau state

“…Findings on proportion of women with good knowledge and practice in this study was similar \to studies conducted in Jos, Kano and Edo states where as many as 77.8%, 60.9% and 77% of mothers used aseptic cord care methods. 6,15,16 However, this was different from findings from a study in Pakistan where only 26% of respondents used aseptic methods of cord care despite the fact that they delivered their index children in the health facility. 6,[14][15][16] Although the proportion of those who used aseptic cord care practices was higher, the use of non-orthodox methods is still a common practice as observed in studies conducted in Kano and Edo states where in addition to the use of methylated spirit, mothers also used toothpaste, hot compress, oil and herbs on the umbilical cord.…”

“…The financial capacity to acquire proper aseptic substances for cord care also influences the substances used. 15,16 Furthermore, the use of chlorhexidine gel has increasingly become a common practice as it has been made readily available at PHC facilities and communities through the Community Owned Resource Persons who are expected to identify women who deliver at home and apply the substance to the umbilical cord in order to reduce neonatal sepsis. This is in keeping with the Nigerian protocol on cord care.…”

“…17,18 Other studies conducted in Kano, Benin and Egypt showed the average cord separation time was 6.3±3.7 days, 8.2±2.2 days and 4.2±1.7 days respectively. 15,19,20 The study in Kano also showed that the cord separation time was longer among those who used methylated spirit compared to those who used other non-orthodox methods of cord care. This may explain why some mothers prefer to use non-orthodox traditional substances in order to facilitate cord separation time.…”

“…This may explain why some mothers prefer to use non-orthodox traditional substances in order to facilitate cord separation time. 15,19,20 However, early cord separation should not be emphasized to mothers, as it does not reduce the risk of infection. It is also worthy to note that other factors also play a role in cord separation time.…”

Survey of umbilical cord care practices and separation time in healthy new-born in Maiduguri, Nigeria

“…The use of these unhygienic concoctions reported in this current study lends support to the report of Muktar in Kano, north-western Nigeria. [17] There is therefore no doubt that use of these unhygienic concoctions observed in this study may be attributed to mothers' cultural beliefs.…”