ASSESSMENT OF MOTHERS ON UMBILICAL CORD CARE AMONG THOSE ATTENDING POSTNATAL CLINIC AT JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KISUMU

Abstract

Neonatal infections represent a significant global health challenge, contributing to an alarming estimate of over one million deaths annually. In many regions, these infections stand as the leading cause of neonatal mortality, particularly in areas characterized by high mortality rates, where infections are responsible for nearly half of all newborn deaths. Among the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Essential Newborn Care (ENC) recommendations, the practice of clean cord care emerges as critical in the prevention of these infections. This study seeks to determine the knowledge and practices related to umbilical cord care among mothers attending the postnatal clinic at JOOTRH Level 6. By exploring these factors, the findings aim to empower mothers with essential knowledge and practices, thereby improving their newborns’ health and significantly reducing the risk of infection, ultimately contributing to a decline in neonatal morbidity and mortality. This research adopts a descriptive and cross-sectional design, targeting mothers with newborns of 4 weeks of age and below at JOOTRH Level 6. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel 2013. The findings will be presented in various formats, including bar graphs, pie charts, and tables, to effectively convey the results. Approval for this study was duly obtained from both Uzima University and the administration of JOOTRH Level 6. Participation in the study was entirely voluntary, and informed consent was secured from all participants.