Mother's Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Recognition of Neonatal Danger Signs-Sudan 2017

Abstract

Mother\'s Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Recognition of Neonatal Danger Signs-Sudan 2017 ________________________________________ Abstract Neonates are at risk for various health problems; morbidity and mortality occur significantly in developing countries. Reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality requires the immediate caregiver’s recognition of suggestive danger signs in the neonates. Generally, reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality requires immediate caregiver’s recognition of suggestive danger signs in the neonates and visiting the nearby clinic(2).The study aim was to assess mothers\' knowledge and attitudes regarding the recognition of neonatal danger signs. This is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at three hospitals located in Khartoum State. The data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire, from a sample which consisted of 188 participants. The collected data were then analyzed by the Statistical Package of Social Science – version (21). The data were presented in tables and figures, and p-value was used to test the association between the variables of the study (significant association was considered to be (0.05) or less).The results revealed that a great majority of the study population (about 72%)of the respondent had very poor knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Fever was the commonest danger sign recognized by most of the participant. Most of the study population had positive attitudes towards initiating the management of neonatal risk signs which include: neonatal jaundice (82%), hypothermia (52.66%), convulsion (71.8%) and fast, difficult breathing (75%) at home. The results also showed that more than half of the participant (54.8%) had negative attitudes regarding the management of diarrhea at home. The study concluded that the majority of mothers under study had very poor knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Key terms: Neonate, danger signs, management of neonatal risk.