Neonatal Care Practice and Associated Factors Among Postnatal Mothers Who Have Neonates in Ethiopia, Mixed Study
Abstract:
Introduction: Few studies identified variables associated with neonatal care practices were varied from place to place. However, little is known about the prevalence of neonatal care practice and associated factors in Ethiopia including the study area. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of neonatal care practice and associated factors among postnatal mothers who have neonates in Kombolcha town.
Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study supplemented with the qualitative inquiry was conducted among 625 postnatal mothers in selected Kebeles of Kombolcha town .Multistage systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants for a quantitative study. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Eighteen participants for qualitative in-depth interviews were selected through the purposive sampling technique. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and then exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for further analyses. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variable of interest. The level of statistical significance was declared at P-value less than 0.05. Qualitative data were transcribed and coded during and after the data collection period, then were analysed manually by using a thematic approach.
Results: Out of the total 606 participants, the prevalence of neonatal care practice was [49.7%, 95%CI: (45.72%, 53.68%)]. On multivariable logistic regression model, number of antenatal care visits [AOR = 3.28; 95%CI (1.40, 7.67)], birth interval of current baby [AOR = 2.56; 95%CI (1.06, 6.16)] and knowledge of mothers towards neonatal care practice [AOR = 8.66; 95%CI (4.83, 15.56)] were significantly associated with neonatal care practice.
Conclusion: prevalence of neonatal care practice was relatively low among postnatal mothers in Kombolcha town compared to other literature. The number of antenatal care visits, the birth interval of the current baby, and knowledge of mothers towards neonatal care practice were found to be independent predictors.
