Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Neonatal danger signs contributes to the high mortality of neonates in
developing countries. Delay in recognition of danger signs and decision to seek care
contributes most of neonatal deaths in Ethiopia. There is a need for the mothers to be
able to identify signs in neonates that signify severe illnesses. Therefore, aim of this study
was to assess mothers’ knowledge and associated factors on neonatal danger signs in
Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess mothers knowledge and its associated factors towards neonatal
danger signs in Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia, 2019.
Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted among mothers who
gave birth within 12 months living in Nekemte town, from March 1-30, 2019. The total
sample size of study was 727. Multistage sampling technique was employed. Data were
collected by face-to-face interview. The data entered to EPI info 7.2.0.1 and analyzed by
SPSS version 23. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to
select factors associated with knowledge of danger signs.
Result: A total of 707, (n=727) mothers were interviewed giving response rate of 97.2%
with median age of 27(IQR ±5). The results of the study showed 65.2% of mothers have
good knowledge of neonatal danger signs. The odds of having good knowledge of
neonatal danger signs were associated with being married [AOR=2.87, 95%CI (1.27,
6.52)], mother’s educational status of secondary and above [AOR= 1.71, 95%CI (1.03,
2.84)], Antenatal care visits of four and above [AOR=1.58, 95%CI (1.09, 2.31)] and
postnatal follow-up [AOR=2.13, 95%CI (1.39, 3.27)]. Furthermore, delivery at health
institution [AOR=3.11, 95%CI (1.10, 8.76)], access to TV [AOR=1.58, 95%CI (1.05, 2.37)]
and Internet use [AOR=2.39, 95%CI (1.52, 3.77)] were also significantly associated with
good knowledge.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Significant proportion of mothers have poor
knowledge of neonatal danger signs. Hence, counselling services during Antenatal care
and community based health information dissemination about neonatal danger sign
should be strengthened.
Keywords: mothers, knowledge, neonatal danger signs, factors, Nekemte
