Last modified: 2019-02-19
Abstract
Background: Neonatal mortality has remained high in Ethiopia inspite of different efforts being undertaken to reduce this negative trend. Early detection of neonatal illnesses has an important step towards improving new born survival. Toward this end there is a need for postpartum mothers to be able to identify signs in neonates that signifies severe neonatal illnesses. There is limited information about knowledge of post-partum mothers on neonatal danger signs and associated factors in the study area. Therefore the aim of this study is to assess knowledge on neonatal danger signs and its associated factors among postpartum mothers attending immunization units in Ambo Town, Ethiopia, 2018.
Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was used. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select 404 study participants and data was collected through face to face interview by using structured questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were utilized to identify associated factors.
Results: One fifth 82(20.3%) of postpartum mothers have good knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Only 60.5% of mothers whom their baby developed danger sign taken their baby to health facility immediately. Mothers who have diploma or more education (AOR=5.25, 95% CI:1.48-18.59), current baby developed danger signs (AOR=3.18 95% CI:1.06-9.52), having PNC follow-up (AOR=2.29, 95% CI:1.24-4.24) and receiving counseling on newborn care after delivery (AOR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.04-3.04) were factors associated with having good knowledge.
Conclusions and Recommendation: The level of postpartum mother’s knowledge on neonatal danger sign is low and mother’s education, PNC follow-ups, counseling on newborn care and baby developed danger signs were factors significantly associated. Therefore provision of health education and counseling or advices for mothers after delivery, during postnatal care follows-ups to improve their health care seeking behavior and knowledge were the key areas of intervention.