Understanding the mother's knowledge and attitudes regarding newborn screening in rural areas of Tamil Nadu, India

Introduction: Newborn screening (NBS) is an effective intervention for congenital disorders that can prevent morbidity and mortality if accessible. The study aims to evaluate the knowledge, acceptance, and attitude towards newborn screening in Tamil Nadu, India, among rural mothers, and identify its determinants. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at government and private hospitals in Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, from June to August 2024. Data from 280 mothers who had recently given birth were analyzed. Statistical tests such as the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of maternal knowledge and attitudes via SPSS 25.0. Results: Only 37.5% of mothers demonstrated high knowledge of NBS, while 56.4% showed a positive attitude. Findings indicated that higher education (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.99–4.29, p < 0.001) and prior knowledge of NBS (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 2.18–4.85, p < 0.001) are strong predictors of awareness. Urban residency and higher family income significantly influenced understanding and favorable perceptions of NBS. Having a consanguineous marriage decreased the likelihood of positive attitude towards NBS (OR = 0.51, p = 0.033), suggesting a cultural barrier. Conclusion: The findings indicate that socio-demographic factors are significantly associated with maternal knowledge and attitudes towards NBS. It is essential to strengthen community educational programs to raise awareness of the NBS process and improve participation.