Knowledge of mothers about neonatal danger signs attending Children’s Welfare Teaching Hospital in Medical City Directorate, Baghdad, Iraq
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Keywords
Knowledge,, mothers,, neonatal,, Children’s Welfare Hospital, signs
Abstract
Background: The first 28 days of life, known as the neonatal period, represent a critical time when infants are at the highest risk of mortality. Most neonatal deaths occur in low-income countries with inadequate healthcare systems. The World Health Organization has identified specific neonatal danger signs (NDSs) that indicate potential illness. Aim: This study aimed to assess Iraqi mothers’ understanding of neonatal risk signs in 2024 and identify factors influencing this knowledge. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study involved 400 mothers attending the Children’s Welfare Teaching Hospital in Baghdad from November 2023 to March 2024. Mothers who could identify at least three of the 10 NDSs were considered to have good knowledge. Results: The study found that 223 (56%) mothers had high knowledge. The most recognized NDSs were jaundice (65%), fast breathing (60%), and elevated body temperature (51.75%). The least recognized signs included Lowered temperature (0.75%), redness, foul smell, umbilical discharge, skin rash, and eye drainage (4% each). Good knowledge was significantly associated with increased prenatal care visits. Mothers who received guidance from non-health facility consultants were more knowledgeable. About 15% mothers reported seeing no warning signs in their children. Conclusion: The study conducted at the Children’s Welfare Teaching Hospital in Baghdad revealed that mothers possessed a fair understanding of NDSs, with jaundice being the most commonly recognized. Mothers who received advice from non-health facility advisers, primarily family and social media, showed significantly higher knowledge levels. Recommendations include enhancing educational programs in antenatal and postnatal care, utilizing mass media, and conducting community-based studies to improve maternal understanding of NDSs.
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