KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF MOTHER REGARDING CARE OF NEWBORN UMBILICAL CORD

Background: Appropriate umbilical cord care is critical in preventing neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) significantly influence cord care outcomes, yet gaps remain in many low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers regarding newborn umbilical cord care. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at GMC DHQ Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 04-March-2024 to 04-September-2024. Methods: A total of 175 mothers of neonates aged 1–30 days were recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing maternal knowledge (13 items), attitudes (13 items), and practices. Scores were categorized as "high" (≥50%) or "low" (<50%). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square test was applied, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of neonates was 15.56 ± 8.73 days, and the mean maternal age was 28.77 ± 5.66 years. Overall, 62.2% of mothers demonstrated high knowledge and attitude scores, whereas only 21% had good practice scores. Higher maternal education level and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with better knowledge and practice scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: While most mothers showed adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward umbilical cord care, practices remained suboptimal. Community-based awareness and reinforcement programs are crucial for promoting hygienic cord care practices and reducing the risk of neonatal infections.