A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE&PRACTICE ON NEONATAL CARE AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Neonatal care is an area that needs a great concern. The lack of knowledge and wrong practices of post natal mothers may also harm the baby. The aim of our study is to assess the knowledge, attitude &practice (KAP) on neonatal care among post natal mothers and to provide comprehensive knowledge in the area ifrequired. The study was conducted in neonatology department of a tertiary care hospital with a sample size of 125 for a period of 6 months after getting approval of the ethics committee. The data were collected and recorded in specially designed pro forma. The KAP of mothers were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included 53 questions covering knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers. Information was provided through patient information leaflet mainly in areas of breastfeeding, cordcare, thermoregulation, immunisation and danger signs. The knowledge, attitude & practice of mothers regarding neonatal care were dramatically increased after effective counseling. We had found that by providing information on neonatal care among both postnatal and expectant mothers, we could improve the quality of life of the new-borns.