Promotive and Preventive Programs for Health Workers and Mothers on Newborn Umbilical Cord Care to Prevent Infection During the Neonatal Period

Umbilical cord infections can be prevented by caring for the umbilical cordproperly. The data regarding proper and correct umbilical cord care of newborn babiesby mothers in North Sumatra Province is limited. Hence, this community serviceaimed to determine the proportion of knowledge in umbilical cord care for newbornbabies using the open-dry cord care method. Thew community service project washeld on August 24, 2023, in Pematang Siantar City, North Sumatra Province. In thisactivity, we provided counseling on the open-dry cord care method for umbilical cordcare by presentation and discussion using modules, posters, and leaflets. We used apre-test and post-test questionnaire to assess the knowledge level of health workersand mothers. Participant demographic data and results are presented in the form ofproportion data. This counseling was attended by 150 participants consisting of 52health workers and 98 mothers. Before the counseling, 39 health workers and 93mothers did not know how to take care of the umbilical cord properly. After thecounseling, the knowledge of umbilical cord care using the open-dry cord methodincreased by 15.4% for health workers and 24.5% for mothers. Based on the results,over 80% of participants were found to have had a satisfactory level of knowledgeabout umbilical cord care after the counseling session. This community serviceprogram should be conducted regularly to further enhance the knowledge of healthworkers and mothers on proper umbilical cord care.