title: Newborn care knowledge and practices among mothers attending pediatric outpatient clinic of a hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess newborn care knowledge and practices among mothers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 170 mothers accompanying their infants attending the Paediatric Out Patient Department were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Areas of inquiry included Antenatal care seeking, delivery care, cord care, eye care, bathing and breastfeeding practices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-two percent mothers reported at least one antenatal care visit. Tetanus Toxoid coverage was 88%. Home deliveries were 18%. Seventy-four percent reported applying various substances like coconut oil, mustard oil, purified butter and turmeric to the cord stump. Kohl application to newborn's eyes was 68%, while 86% reported first bath within 24 hrs of birth. 48% mothers initiated breastfeeding within 2 hours of delivery. Colostrum was discarded by 43% and prelacteal feeds given by 73%. Exclusive Breast Feeding rate was 26%. Family income of Rs. 10, 000 (USD120) or less/month and maternal education level of primary or less were significantly associated with home delivery, unhygienic cord care and kohl application to the newborn's eyes. Home delivery was a risk factor for poor cord care (OR=4.07) and discarding colostrum (OR= 3.18).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Antenatal care coverage was good, but knowledge regarding newborn care was poor. Harmful practices regarding newborn care were prevalent among mothers. Institutional deliveries did not guarantee optimal practices. Tradition and culture played a significant role. Health education can improve the mothers' knowledge regarding newborn care practices.
authors.affiliation: Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Saadia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gul
authors.affiliation: Qassim University, Medical College, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Rehana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Khalil
authors.affiliation: Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: M Tahir
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Yousafzai
authors.affiliation: Qassim University, Medical College, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Faiza
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shoukat
keywords: Cord Care; Exclusive Breastfeeding; Home Delivery; Newborn; Prelacteals