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Title

Assessment of maternal knowledge on neonatal danger signs

 

Authors

N.B. Mahalakshmi1,*, S. Madhavi1, K. Rajendran2, R. Renuga1, Surya Surendran1, J. Menaka1 & N. Sivasubramanian3,*

 

Affiliation

1KMCH College of Nursing, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu - 641048, India; 2Department of Paediatric & Neonatology, KMCHIHSR, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu - 641048, India; 3Nootan College of Nursing, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat - 384315, India; *Corresponding author

 

Email

N.B. Mahalakshmi - E - mail: nbmlakshmi.kmch@gmail.com

S. Madhavi - E - mail: madhaviy@gmail.com

K. Rajendran - E - mail: drrajendrantk@gmail.com

R. Renuga - E - mail: ursrenuga@gmail.com

Surya Surendran - E - mail: suryapanki@gmail.com

J. Menaka - E - mail: menaka59@gmail.com

N. Sivasubramanian - E - mail: sn.fn@spu.ac.in

 

Article Type

Research Article

 

Date

Received September 1, 2024; Revised September 30, 2024; Accepted September 30, 2024, Published September 30, 2024

 

Abstract

Maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs and subsequent healthcare-seeking behaviors are critical for early intervention and reducing neonatal mortality. This study aimed to assess these factors among mothers attending the Immunization Centre at KMCH Hospital, Coimbatore. A quantitative approach with a descriptive design was employed. Fifty mothers were selected via convenience sampling and administered a structured questionnaire. This tool encompassed socio-demographic variables, obstetric history, and a 30-item assessment on maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Findings revealed that while 80% of mothers exhibited moderate knowledge, only 16% demonstrated adequate knowledge of neonatal danger signs. Factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviour included maternal education, family income, and access to healthcare services. Comparative analysis with previous studies underscored consistent patterns of moderate knowledge but highlighted regional disparities in healthcare access and socio-economic impacts. The study emphasizes the critical need for targeted educational interventions to enhance maternal awareness of neonatal danger signs and promote early healthcare seeking. Improving maternal knowledge and behaviour could significantly mitigate neonatal morbidity and mortality rates in Coimbatore and similar settings. Future research should focus on sustained behaviour change and broader implementation of educational initiatives to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

 

Keywords

Neonatal danger signs, maternal knowledge, healthcare-seeking behavior.

 

Citation

Mahalakshmi et al. Bioinformation 20(9): 1022-1025 (2024)

 

Edited by

P Kangueane

 

ISSN

0973-2063

 

Publisher

Biomedical Informatics

 

License

This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. This is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.