Abstract:

Background: In many Lower-and middle-income countries like Tanzania neonatal deaths is related to late recognition of neonatal illnesses. Mother’s knowledge on neonatal danger signs is an integral factor to minimize neonatal mortality. This study aimed at determining the knowledge of mothers on neonatal danger signs and associated factors.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 mothers with neonates at Bugando Medical Centre. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, then entered in Microsoft excel 2019. Data analysis was done in STATA version 15.

Results: The total of 180 participants were enrolled with a mean age 29.65 ± 7.71 years. Seventy percent (n=126) had heard of neonatal danger signs and among these, 100(79.4%) had obtained information on neonatal danger signs. More than half (53.3%) of mothers attended ANC clinic for more than four times. Hyperthermia and unconsciousness were the most identified neonatal danger signs. Majority, 85(67.5%) mothers had poor knowledge on danger signs. Mothers aged below 18 years and those attending ANC clinic for less than 4 times were more likely to have poor knowledge. Mothers informed on neonatal danger signs and those being educated on danger signs during ANC clinic visits were less likely to have poor knowledge on neonatal danger signs.

Conclusion: There is poor knowledge among participants on neonatal danger signs despite a large proportion of mothers being informed on neonatal danger signs. There should be emphasis on frequent ANC clinic to pregnant mothers and more education should be provided for mothers to know atleast the 10 WHO recommended neonatal danger signs.