Abstract:
The World Health Organization emphasizes the need to continuously improve care practices at birth in order to decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite sensitization of mothers regarding the importance of essential new-born care, common infections such as diarrhoea, sepsis and pneumonia of neonates persist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The primary purpose of this study was to assess maternal factors associated with essential new-born care practices among postnatal mothers. Specifically, the study sought to assess maternal factors associated with essential new-born practices comprising breastfeeding, thermoregulation and hygiene practices among postnatal mothers. This was an analytical cross-sectional study design utilising a triangulation approach. The study population comprised mothers attending post-natal clinic and paediatrics emergency unit at KNH. Slovin’s Formula was used to calculate a sample size of 200 mothers. Systematic sampling was used to select eligible subjects. Data collection was done using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, an observation guide and a focused group discussion guide. Uni variate data analysis for the study variables was conducted using descriptive statistics comprising frequencies and percentages. Analysis was conducted with the help of SPSS version 25.0.Qualitative data was transcribed and major themes discussed along with quantitative findings. The study found that 59% of the respondents in the study had poor new-born care practices. Chi-square tests showed that age (p<0.001), education (p<0.001), parity (p =0.031), ANC attendance and ANC initiation (p=0.021) were all significant. Age (p=0.043), parity (p<0.001) and ANC attendance (p<0.001) remained significant in the regression analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that, education level, (AOR =3.87, 95%CI: 1.31 – 10.51, p=0.010), age (≥30 years), (AOR =2.52, 95%CI: 1.41 – 8.71, p=0.005) and ANC attendance (AOR =2.01, 95%CI: 1.01 - 6.43, p=0.033) were independent predictors of essential new-born care practices. The study concluded that there is an association between maternal factors and new-born care practices. The research therefore recommended that health education given to mothers in antenatal care should emphasize that mothers initiate breastfeeding immediately after birth. Health education provided in the antenatal care clinic should highly focus on sensitizing mothers on cleanliness.
