A study to assess knowledge of postnatal mothers regarding home care of low birth weight babies in selected hospital of Bhopal

Abstract

Introduction: The proper development of a baby is influenced by factors such as proper nutrition, clean environment, sufficient antenatal care, and the awareness of pregnant mothers regarding these aspects. Infants with low birth weight, which is defined as less than 2.5 kg, are at higher risk of experiencing various health issues due to the immaturity of essential organs such as the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver. These infants may also suffer from conditions like hypothermia, lethargy, and difficulties with breastfeeding. As per WHO recommendations, the care of low birth infants includes interventions such as kangaroo mother care, cleanliness, cord and skin care, early diagnosis, and treatment of infections and problems to decrease mortality. Objectives:To assess the knowledge of postnatal mothers regarding home care for low-birth-weight babies. Methodology: This present study has a quantitative research design approach. The study employed a convenient sampling approach. Data was collected through self-structured questionnaire from 50 postnatal mothers of low-birth-weight babies admitted in J K hospital, Bhopal. A self-structured questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic data and questions related to care of low-birth-weight baby (kangaroo care, feeding, hygiene and immunization etc.). Reliability was calculated by Cronbach’s Alpha and value was 0.81. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the acquired data (frequency, percentage and Chi–square test). Result: The study findings revealed that majority (48%) post-natal mothers of low-birth-weight babies had average knowledge regarding home care of low-birth-weight baby, 22% mothers had adequate knowledge, and 30% had poor knowledge related to home care of LBW baby, mean 15.88 and standard deviation ±5.8611 respectively. There was significant association between knowledge of the postnatal mothers regarding home care of low-birth-weight babies with educational status of mother (p=0.02508), whereas no significant association with age, religion, occupation, type of marriage, type of family, total number of living children in the family, place of residence, total monthly income and information on care of low-birth-weight babies at home was found. Conclusion: The study concluded that the knowledge related to home care of low-birth-weight baby among post-natal mothers was average knowledge and poor knowledge. Thus, the informative booklet will help to improve knowledge and awareness among mothers as well as family. Also, public awareness programs should be conducted through mass media at regular intervals about low-birth-weight baby care.