Maternal knowledge and attitudes toward newborn screening: Health literacy and related factors

Abstract Background Newborn screening (NBS) aims to reduce morbidity, mortality, and long-term burden through early detection of asymptomatic yet serious conditions. Maternal knowledge is essential for reducing psychosocial consequences and supporting timely diagnosis. This study aimed to assess mothers’ health literacy and its association with their knowledge and attitudes toward newborn screening, along with other related factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in November-December 2024 on mothers of under-five children who attended the paediatrics clinics of a university hospital in Eskişehir, Türkiye. A total of 512 mothers included consecutively. Data were collected using a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, the Maternal Knowledge and Attitudes About Newborn Screening Scale (MKANSS), and the Health Literacy Scale (Short Form). Multiple linear regression analysis was used. Results The mean age was 32.4 ± 5.9 years. The mean MKANSS score was 16.01±7.04 (median:16). Overall, 12.1% of mothers reported that their child had not undergone newborn screening. The most recognized NBS components were heel-prick tests, hearing screening, and vision screening. Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher knowledge and more positive attitudes were associated with higher income (B= -1.42; 95% CI: -2.52, -0.31), no consanguinity with spouse (B= -2.40; -4.10, -0.70), knowledge of prenatal tests (B= -1.80; -3.60, -0.002), awareness of NBS diseases (B= -2.17; -3.64, -0.70), and receiving information from healthcare professionals (B= -4.61; -6.93, -2.30). Higher health literacy was also associated with greater knowledge and more favourable attitudes (B= -0.28; -0.34, -0.21). Conclusions Overall, mothers showed moderate knowledge and positive attitudes. Maternal knowledge and attitudes toward NBS were associated with various sociodemographic and informational factors, with health literacy emerging as a key contributor. Key messages • Improving mothers’ health literacy through accessible and comprehensible materials may contribute to greater knowledge and more positive attitudes toward newborn screening. • Mass communication and informational support by healthcare professionals, especially for disadvantaged mothers, may increase awareness and promote positive attitudes towards newborn screening.