UMBILICAL CORD INFECTION PREVENTION PRACTICES AMONG RURAL WOMEN ATTENDING IMMUNIZATION CLINIC IN KUMBOTSO, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Umbilical cord infections are more prevalent in developing countries because of the high rates of unhygienic cord care practices. Objectives: This study was undertaken to explore the various practices related to umbilical cord care among rural community women attending an immunization clinic in Kumbotso, Kano State, Nigeria. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for the study. This study was carried out in immunization clinic at Kumbotso CHC of Kumbotso Local Government Area (LGA), Kano state Nigeria. Sample size was 265. Data was collected with interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 software. The result obtained was presented in the form of tables. Results: Majority, 200 (75.5%) of respondents' hands were gloved. In 126 (47.5%) of respondents, new razor blades were used, in 117 (44.2%) of respondents' scissors was used and the remaining 22 (8.3%) of respondents used razor blade or knife to cut the umbilical cord. Up to 159 (60%) of respondents applied mentholated spirit. One hundred and sixty-nine (63.8%) of respondents were informed of safe umbilical cord practices by health workers. Cord infection rate occurred in 53 (20.1%) babies. Conclusion: Cord infection prevention and control practices were high in this community with a relatively low cord infection rate. Even though Chlorhexidine was not used, health workers should emphasize and as well recommend its use in cord care. Community-based study is recommended to generate data about cord infections and practices inside the community

Keywords

• umbilical cord care
• umbilical cord infection
• practices
• immunization clinic