Knowledge about Danger Signs in Neonates and Health Seeking Behaviour amongst Mothers Attending Tertiary Healthcare Centre in Punjab, India

Abstract

Introduction: The early identification of neonatal illness is critical for improving infant survival rates. Neonates are less likely to exhibit overt symptoms of sickness. The only signs of illness are often listlessness or non acceptance of feeds, and the illness can progress rapidly. There is a lack of data on mothers' knowledge of Neonatal Danger Signs (NDS). Aim: To evaluate mother’s awareness of NDS and health seeking behaviour. Materials and Methods: An Institution-based descriptive crosssectional study was performed in Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, Jalandhar, Punjab, India, from 31st January 2020 to 31st March 2020. A total of 550 mothers attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) with their infants for immunisation were included in the study. Awareness of more than three NDS was considered as good knowledge, 1-2 NDS as poor knowledge and zero awareness was categorised as absent. Data was collected using a questionnaire and statistically analysed using Chi-square test. Results: A total of 550 mothers were included in the study. The mean age of study participants was 26.5 years. A 273 (49.6%) had good knowledge of NDS. A 68 (12.4%) had zero knowledge and 209 (38%) had poor knowledge. Education status of the mother (p-value <0.01), Institutional delivery (p-value=0.023) and adequate antenatal visit (p-value=0.026) were important determinants of mother’s knowledge of possible danger signs in their newborn. Development of danger signs in neonates was observed to be associated with 24.3% mothers having poor knowledge as compared to 42.3% mothers with good knowledge. Conclusion: With less than 50% of mothers having a good knowledge of NDS healthcare workers have a lot of scope for educating and counselling the mothers, thereby, enabling them to recognise the early signs of illness in their newborn and ensuring timely presentation to healthcare facility and early clinical intervention.

Keywords

• care seeking behaviour
• fever
• lethargy
• refusal to feed