Research Article
Tewodros Tegene, Gashaw And
Abstract
Introduction: Neonatal deaths in general, early neonatal deaths in particular now represent two-third of infant deaths and one-third of under-five deaths worldwide. Ethiopia has the sixth highest number of newborn death. Many newborn deaths can be averted through changes in household level practices regarding delivery and newborn care. However, in Ethiopia scientific evidences on level of newborn care practice are scanty and inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing newborn care practice and factors associated with them. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was undertaken in Mandura district from August to September 2013. Stratified multi-stages sampling technique was employed to select 539 study participants. Structured and pretested questionnaire was used for data collection via face to face interview. Descriptive statistics were used for summarization and presentation of the data. Binary logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with newborn practice of mothers. Results: Among mothers who gave births within one year, 216 (40.6%) with 95% CI (36.5-44.5%) of them had good newborn care practice. The likelihood of good newborn practice was higher among urban residents (AOR=3.26 95% CI: 1.90-5.57) and among those who attend primary school (AOR=2.29 95% CI: 1.05-5.0) and high school and above (AOR=2.68 95% CI: (1.20-6.0) level. Having at least one ANC follow up (AOR=1.89 95% CI: 1.18-3.03), preparedness for delivery (AOR=1.92 95% CI: 1.01-3.64), knowing first breast feeding time (AOR=1.74 95% CI: 1.12-2.71) and knowing first bathing time (AOR=3.79 95% CI: 2.51, 5.75) were significantly associated with good newborn care practice of mothers. Conclusion: This study showed that the level of newborn care practice of more than half of mothers is poor. Residence, educational status of mothers, knowledge of mothers on initiation of breast feeding and time of first bathing, ANC follow up and preparedness for delivery independent predictors for good newborn practice. Therefore, interventions targeted on the independent predictors can improve newborn care practice of mothers.