ASSESSMENT OF POSTNATAL MOTHERS' KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING NEWBORN SKIN CARE HYGIENE

Background, in early stages of life, neonates undergo adaptive processes to facilitate transition from the aqueous uterine environment to the arid external atmosphere. As the child grows, due to various parameters, the skin undergoes continual structural and functional development. This maturation involves the fortification of the stratum corneum necessary for the skin's barrier function, alongside the emergence of sweat and sebaceous glands. Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge and practice of newborn skin care hygiene among postnatal mothers attending selected infant welfare clinics. Methods: Mixed method was used. Descriptive qualitative and cross-sectional study was adopted for this research work. Instrument for data collection was questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Reliability coefficient of 0.84 was established proving the instrument reliable. Postnatal mothers from the study areas made up the population, while 394 were drawn as sample using multistage and purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed with thematic analysis approach and SPSS using mean, percentage and Pearson’s Chi-square. Results: Findings showed that majority of participants 84.2% fall within the age range of 20 – 40. Majority of the participants were married 66.3% while 55.4%were educated to tertiary level. 83.2% of participants were incorrect about recommended practices for cleaning newborn skin shortly after birth while 81% demonstrated correct knowledge regarding the importance of maintaining proper skin hygiene for newborn. 62.9 %exhibited good practice regarding dressing newborn while 53.5% exhibited poor diaper change to maintain skin hygiene. 44% make out good time to take care of their newborn and a good number stated that social support provided guidance and encouragement to their knowledge and practice of newborn skin hygiene. In Conclusion: Level of knowledge and practice toward skin-care hygiene in the study area was moderate due to various factors thus there is need for the healthcare providers to actively direct and educate the new mothers on proper practice, so as to promote the proper skin care practices among postnatal mothers.