Evaluation of Essential Newborn Care Practices among Mothers in Community and Health Facility Settings in Tehsil Kharian District Gujrat, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal mortality remains a critical public health challenge in low-resource settings such as Tehsil Kharian, Pakistan. Understanding maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding neonatal care is essential for improving newborn outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess maternal KAP related to neonatal care among mothers of newborns in households and healthcare facilities in Tehsil Kharian. Materials and Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 10th January to 10th May 2022. Mothers of newborns aged 5 days to 3 months were enrolled after providing written informed consent. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-validated structured questionnaire in the local language. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic information, antenatal care (ANC) history, and KAP on thermal regulation, umbilical cord hygiene, breastfeeding, immunization, eye care, and recognition of neonatal danger signs. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 26.0. Results: A total of 380 mothers participated (mean age 25.63 ± 3.45 years); 50% had college-level education, and 67.4% had household incomes up to PKR 40,000. Overall knowledge was moderate, with 50% aware of proper breastfeeding and cord care practices, but only 19.5% knew to initiate breastfeeding within minutes of delivery. Harmful practices included using previously used blades for cord cutting (61.8%) and giving pre-lacteal feeds (43.9%). Only 30.3% of mothers attended ANC visits, and 65.8% believed vaccines were harmful. Conclusion: Significant gaps in maternal KAP exist in Tehsil Kharian, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions and community-based programs to promote evidence-based neonatal care and reduce neonatal mortality.