KNOWLEDGE OF NEONATAL DANGER SIGNS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MOTHERS WHO GAVE BIRTH THE LAST FOUR MONTHS ATTENDING IMMUNIZATION SERVICES IN HARAR TOWN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES, ETHIOPIA

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.