author(s)
Jatinder Kaur and Amandeep Kaur

abstract

Background: Newborn care is a crucial aspect of maternal and child health that significantly influences neonatal morbidity and mortality. Primipara mothers are particularly vulnerable to a lack of knowledge on newborn care due to their inexperience.

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the understanding of primipara mothers concerning essential newborn care at Shri S.D. Mahabir Dal Hospital, Karnal, Haryana.

Methods: An exploratory study was performed involving 60 primipara mothers utilising a self structured, pretested questionnaire encompassing four domains: Breast feeding, Prevention of hypothermia, Basic hygiene, and Identification of danger signs. Participants were chosen by non-probability convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were conducted utilising SPSS version 25, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: The majority of women (68.3%) had average understanding of newborn care, whereas 18.3% possessed adequate knowledge and 13.3% exhibited poor knowledge. A notable association was identified between all socio demographic variables and level of knowledge (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Despite a moderate comprehension of essential newborn care among many primi para mothers, notable knowledge gaps persist, particularly among younger and less educated women. The research highlights the necessity for focused, organized educational programs included into prenatal and postnatal care services to enhance maternal skills and neonatal health results.