Umbilical Cord Care Practices In Konduga Local Government Area Of Borno State North - Eastern Nigeria

Good cord care practices reduce the incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality from neonatal infections and tetanus. While cord care practices vary from place to place, some of can be harmful to the new born. The objective of this study was to identify the practices of cord care in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, North-Eastern Nigeria. With the help of medical students during their rural posting, a structured questionnaire was administered to 400 mothers with particular reference to their last delivery.The traditional practices of cord care in this area include application of hot fermentation (31.5%), use of rag and lantern (19.5%), use of Vaseline (9.5%), ash / charcoal (9.3%), groundnut / palm, mangrove oil (8.3%) use of powder (6.5%) and red sand (3.5%). These practices are often harmful, because these substances are often contaminated with bacteria and spores, thus increasing the risk of infection. Very few mothers/care givers use saline water (2.0%), use spirit or disinfectant (8.5%) while in a few the cord is left alone to dry on its own (1.5%), which is a more hygienic way of cord care. Mothers need to know about these harmful practices, what they may cause and the problems associated with the use of these substances. The health care provider should be able to educate the mothers about the harmful practices of cord care. This will go a long way in reducing the morbidity and mortality in the newborns.