@Article{crph1262,
AUTHOR = {Islam, Md Tamim and Akter, Tanzina and Faruk, Md Omar and Rani, Rima and Nipo, Jinnat Haq and Mita, Akhi Roy and Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md},
TITLE = {Knowledge related to umbilical cord care among mothers of neonates attending outpatient departments in Sherpur district, Bangladesh},
JOURNAL = {Current Research in Public Health},
VOLUME = {5},
YEAR = {2025},
NUMBER = {1},
PAGES = {32-45},
URL = {https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/OJMS/article/view/1262},
ISSN = {2831-5162},
DOI = {10.31586/ojms.2025.1262},
ABSTRACT = {Background: Proper umbilical cord care prevents neonatal infections and reduces neonatal mortality. Despite global recommendations for evidence-based cord care practices, traditional beliefs, and inadequate maternal knowledge often lead to unsafe practices, particularly in low-resource settings like Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the understanding of umbilical cord care among mothers of neonates in Sherpur District, Bangladesh, and identify factors associated with knowledge levels. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2020 at Sherpur Sadar Hospital. A total of 193 mothers of neonates were recruited using a non-randomized purposive sampling method. Data was collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Knowledge levels were categorized as "Good" (>6) or "Poor" (≤6) based on responses to 10 structured questions. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and crude odds ratios (COR), were performed to identify socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge levels. Results: Of the 193 participants, 48.7% demonstrated "Good" knowledge, while 51.3% had "Poor" knowledge. Education level (p = 0.01), occupation (p = 0.02), family type (p < 0.001), and family size (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with knowledge levels. Mothers with higher education and those from joint families exhibited better knowledge. However, 28.5% of respondents were unaware of the typical umbilical cord-shedding timeframe, and 44% could not identify signs of infection. Unsafe practices, such as using medications (14.5%) or hot compression (7.2%) for drying the cord, were reported. Conclusion: The study reveals significant gaps in maternal knowledge regarding umbilical cord care in Sherpur District, driven by socio-demographic disparities and cultural practices. Targeted health education programs, emphasizing evidence-based cord care practices and leveraging local social structures, are urgently needed to improve neonatal health outcomes in similar resource-limited settings. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions to inform policy and practice.},
}

%0 Journal Article
%A Islam, Md Tamim
%A Akter, Tanzina
%A Faruk, Md Omar
%A Rani, Rima
%A Nipo, Jinnat Haq
%A Mita, Akhi Roy
%A Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md
%D 2025
%J Current Research in Public Health

%@ 2831-5162
%V 5
%N 1
%P 32-45

%T Knowledge related to umbilical cord care among mothers of neonates attending outpatient departments in Sherpur district, Bangladesh
%M doi:10.31586/ojms.2025.1262
%U https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/OJMS/article/view/1262

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Islam, Md Tamim
AU  - Akter, Tanzina
AU  - Faruk, Md Omar
AU  - Rani, Rima
AU  - Nipo, Jinnat Haq
AU  - Mita, Akhi Roy
AU  - Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md
TI  - Knowledge related to umbilical cord care among mothers of neonates attending outpatient departments in Sherpur district, Bangladesh
T2  - Current Research in Public Health
PY  - 2025
VL  - 5
IS  - 1
SN  - 2831-5162
SP  - 32
EP  - 45
UR  - https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/OJMS/article/view/1262
AB  - Background: Proper umbilical cord care prevents neonatal infections and reduces neonatal mortality. Despite global recommendations for evidence-based cord care practices, traditional beliefs, and inadequate maternal knowledge often lead to unsafe practices, particularly in low-resource settings like Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the understanding of umbilical cord care among mothers of neonates in Sherpur District, Bangladesh, and identify factors associated with knowledge levels. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2020 at Sherpur Sadar Hospital. A total of 193 mothers of neonates were recruited using a non-randomized purposive sampling method. Data was collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Knowledge levels were categorized as "Good" (>6) or "Poor" (≤6) based on responses to 10 structured questions. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and crude odds ratios (COR), were performed to identify socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge levels. Results: Of the 193 participants, 48.7% demonstrated "Good" knowledge, while 51.3% had "Poor" knowledge. Education level (p = 0.01), occupation (p = 0.02), family type (p < 0.001), and family size (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with knowledge levels. Mothers with higher education and those from joint families exhibited better knowledge. However, 28.5% of respondents were unaware of the typical umbilical cord-shedding timeframe, and 44% could not identify signs of infection. Unsafe practices, such as using medications (14.5%) or hot compression (7.2%) for drying the cord, were reported. Conclusion: The study reveals significant gaps in maternal knowledge regarding umbilical cord care in Sherpur District, driven by socio-demographic disparities and cultural practices. Targeted health education programs, emphasizing evidence-based cord care practices and leveraging local social structures, are urgently needed to improve neonatal health outcomes in similar resource-limited settings. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions to inform policy and practice.
DO  - Knowledge related to umbilical cord care among mothers of neonates attending outpatient departments in Sherpur district, Bangladesh
TI  - 10.31586/ojms.2025.1262
ER  -