DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC17.147
Authors: Nelumja T. Bandara, Thamara D. Amarasekara
Abstract:
Introduction: Neonatal death is a serious health problem, especially in developing countries. Knowledge and attitudes on neonatal care among mothers are very important to reduce the neonatal mortality. It is evident that number of factors such as socio-demographics, educational level of the mothers, monthly family income is associated with antenatal mother’s knowledge and attitudes on neonatal care. However, there are not enough data regarding the level of knowledge, attitudes and associated factors on neonatal care among mothers in Sri Lanka. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge, attitudes on neonatal care and associated factors among mothers attending antenatal clinics at a Teaching hospital. Design & methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted among antenatal mothers (n=377) attending antenatal clinics at a teaching hospital in Sri Lanka. A pre-tested, an interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the data collection. Results: Findings of the study revealed that more than half of the subjects had inadequate knowledge level and majority of them had favorable attitudes towards the neonatal care. Source of information on neonatal care was significantly associated with poor knowledge level (p<0.05) and moderate attitude level (p<0.05). Conclusions: Nearly half of the subjects had inadequate level of knowledge regarding neonatal care; hence there is an urgent need of health education programs on neonatal care for antenatal mothers in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Knowledge, Attitudes Neonatal care, Antenatal mothers, Sri Lanka
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