97 - Newborn Care Practices in Rural Communities in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, West Africa.

Globally, neonatal mortality remains a major contributor to under five mortality1. The high burden of these deaths in sub- Saharan Africa might be related to newborn traditional care practices. The study described the newborn care practices and the key determinants in Ethiope West Local Government Areas of Delta State.

 

Objective: To describe newborn care practices and the key determinants in rural communities of Ethiope West Local Government areas of Delta State

Design/Methods:

A cross-sectional study comprising both qualitative data through Focused Group Discussion (139 grandmothers, 128 fathers) and Key Informant Interview (10 CHEWs, 26 TBAs); and quantitative data by interviewer-administered questionnaire (422 child-bearing age mothers) were analyzed.

 

Results:

Bad practices identified include preference for antenatal care at TBA centers (82%); dual registration for ANC because of perceived benefits with TBAs (66.2%); late booking for ANC to conceal pregnancy from harm (94%); perceived better health care and smaller fees paid at delivery with TBAs (71.3%); smacking vigorously while the baby is held upside down during resuscitation (79%); cord cleansing with methylated spirit as well as application of other substances (91.5%); use of chlorhexidine gel (2.4%); bathing of babies soon after birth to prevent body odour (62.6%); initiation of breastfeeding within one hour (17.0%); use of prelacteal feeds (58.5%); colostrum is dirty milk and should be discarded (22%); and administration of herbal concoction to preterm (65.9%). However, good practices identified include feeding of colostrum (78%) and delayed bathing of the preterm (approximately 79%). Lower social class, low maternal education, high parity, ANC attendance outside the health facility and unskilled health care at delivery were critical determinants to poor maternal health seeking behaviour and unhygienic traditional newborn care practices.


Conclusion(s):

Harmful traditional newborn care practices are common in the studied population. Culturally appropriate behavioral change communication and targeted health education of key stakeholders in the community are urgently needed to address these practices and mitigate their adverse influence on newborn care.