Knowledge and practice of umbilical cord care among young mothers of neonates in Tabora region: Analytical cross-sectional study

Knowledge of cord care influences the choice of cord care practices and has a great impact on neonate health. Poor cord care can lead to infection of the umbilical cord and thus have a bearing on the subsequent growth trajectory of the newborn. A health facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out from January-March 2021 among 315 randomly selected young mothers aged 15 to 25 years with neonates aged between 7 and 28 days. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and a chi-square test and a binary logistic regression model were used during data analysis. The level of significance was set at 5%. More than half of young mothers 196 (62.2%) had adequate knowledge of cord care, although practice of umbilical cord care was exceptionally poor, as only 21% of them had good cord care practice. Predictors of low knowledge were living in rural areas (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.54, P = .012), having no formal education (AOR = 15.4, P = .038), and delivering at home (AOR = 0.21. P = .001). While the predictors of poor umbilical cord care practices were having no formal education (AOR = 12.15, P = .001), having primary education (AOR = 7.8, P = .003), being a peasant (AOR = 6.6, P = .001), business woman (AOR = 3.6, P = .035), housewife (AOR = 4.2, P = .014) and prime para (AOR = 0.49, P = .004). Living in urban areas, having a higher education level, and having delivered in a health facility were important factors in having knowledge on cord care, while having a higher education level, being employed, and being a multipara were important factors in maintaining cord in a healthy state.

Automated summary

Knowledge of cord care is essential for the health of newborns. However, many young mothers lack knowledge and practice of cord care. Living in rural areas, lack of formal education, and home delivery are predictors of low knowledge of cord care. No formal education, primary education, being a peasant, business woman, housewife, and prime para are predictors of poor cord care practices. Living in urban areas, higher education level, and delivering in a health facility are important factors in having knowledge on cord care, while having a higher education level, being employed, and being a multipara are important factors in maintaining a healthy cord.