Abstract:
Danger signs in the neonatal period (0-28 days) are nonspecific and can be a manifestation of almost
any newborn disease. Early recognition of these signs by mothers is very crucial up on making
progress sustainable development in neonatal mortality reduction by increasing care seeking behavior.
However, there is limited evidence regarding knowledge of mothers on neonatal danger signs in
Ethiopia as well as the study to be conducted in Harar town.The objective of this study was to assess
knowledge of neonatal danger sign and associated factors among mothers who gave birth the last 4
months attending immunization services. The study was conducted in Harar town public health
facilities, Eastern Ethiopia from February 8 – February 29/2017. Quantitative institutional based crosssectional
study was conducted to study 432 mothers. Participants were selected systematically from
different health institutions. Data was collected through face-to-face interviewer administered
questionnaire by 12 data collectors who complete grade 10. The collected data was entered into Epi
Data 3.1 and then exported and analyzed using SPSS 20. Results of the study
participants were described and presented by using frequencies, percentages, summary
measures, tables and graphs. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used
to identify factors associated with the good knowledge of neonatal dangers. Statistical significance
was declared at p-value less than 0.05. A total of 432 mothers were participated in the study yielding
to a response rate of 98.1%. The knowledge score of neonatal danger sign was
found to be 32.9% (95% CI: 28.9%, 37%). It was more known on ANC neonatal danger sign
counseled mothers (67%) than not counseled (33%). Mothers and own husband level of education to
secondary level [(AOR=4.9, 95% CI: (1.15, 21), 5.4, 95% CI: (1.3, 22.7)] as well as college and above
[(AOR=4.7, 95% CI: (1.15, 19), 4.95, 95% CI: (1.15, 21)] respectively, being multi para mother
[(AOR=2.59, 95% CI: (1.05, 6.6)], had PNC visit [(AOR=3.32, 95% CI: (1.26, 8.67)] and being
deliverd by ceaserian section [(AOR=3.86, 95% CI: (1.48, 10.3)] were significantly associated with
good knowledge of neonatal danger signs. Generaly, about one of the three mothers had good
knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Maternal and own husbans level of education, parity, had
current PNC visit, mode of delivery and source of information were found to be significantly
associated factors. Therefore, awareness creation on neonatal danger signs should be done to increase
maternal health care seeking behavior.
