Knowledge Regarding Home Based Newborn Care Among Nursing Students – A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) is a vital public health strategy aimed at reducing neonatal mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Nursing students, as future healthcare professionals, must be well-equipped with knowledge and practical skills related to newborn care. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge regarding HBNC among nursing students and to determine the association between knowledge levels and selected demographic variables. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 B.Sc. Nursing students using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured knowledge questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Among the students, 75% had inadequate knowledge, 23% had moderate knowledge, and only 2% had adequate knowledge. A significant association was found between knowledge level and educational background (p = 0.014*) and family income (p = 0.005*). Conclusion: The study indicates a substantial gap in the knowledge of nursing students regarding HBNC, necessitating curriculum strengthening and enhanced clinical exposure.