Cultural practice and determinants of newborn care in rural areas of Ramanagara district in Karnataka: a community-based study

Background: There is considerable drop in neonatal mortality in India attributing to strategies by the National Health Mission and in rural areas cultural practices also plays role. The knowledge of recent cultural practices was intended and thus, the objective of this study was to explore the cultural practices and determinants in neonatal care in rural areas of Ramanagara district. Methods: The community based, cross sectional, descriptive and exploratory study was done in selected villages. The recently born baby in the family was included as subject irrespective of their birth order and sex. Data collected by direct interview of mothers at their door steps using the pre tested, semi open-ended questionnaire containing relevant information about cultural practices in the family. Data was analysed in SPSS software version 23. Results: Sex ratio among 550 newborns was 1:1. Birth orders of first and second or above were 59.5% and 40.5%. Majority of the mothers delivered at government hospitals (95%) and by vaginal delivery. The duration of hospital stay was less than 3 days in 52.5%. Breast feeding was initiated among 98% within 24 hours after birth, first bathing and oil massage after birth was within 7 days and 14 days respectively in majority. The prevalence of LBW was 19.5% and pre lacteal feeding was 21.1%. Conclusions: The newborn care practices are better in this community. However, the pre lacteal and top feeding practices to be discouraged by appropriate health education to the mothers and care takers immediately after birth.