Abstract:

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of proper umbilical stump care to reduce neonatal infections, which can lead to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding umbilical cord stump care among mothers of neonates in postnatal wards at Bugando Medical Center (BMC), Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 mothers from July to August 2024, using structured questionnaires and observational checklists. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, and logistic regression was used for factors associated with low knowledge and low practice levels with a P < 0.05 was statistically significant.

Results: The study found that 78.9% of mothers of neonates had a low knowledge level regarding umbilical cord stump care. This was influenced by occupation, with petty business owners less likely to have a low level of knowledge concerning umbilical cord stump care than subsistence farmers (AOR=0.180, 95% CI 0.036- 0.895). Mothers with four or more children were less likely to have low knowledge levels compared to those with one child (AOR=0.103, 95% CI 0.30-0.357). Regarding practices, 60.7% of mothers demonstrated low practice levels on umbilical cord stump care. Factors linked to this included gestational age at delivery with mothers with preterm babies who were less likely to have low practice levels on umbilical cord stump care than those with full-term babies (AOR=0.119, 95% CI 0.032-0.437). Mothers with four or more children were less likely to have to practice compared to those with one child. (AOR=267, 95% CI 0.100-0.717). The delivery to health facilities also significantly impacted practice levels (AOR=0.20, 95% CI 0.092-0.920). A significant majority 66.1% recognized the importance of hygiene practices for umbilical cord stump care but 64.3% felt they lacked sufficient information on proper care methods.

Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes towards umbilical cord stump care, the majority of mothers felt they lacked sufficient information about umbilical cord stump care, highlighting a need for improved education and support during prenatal and postnatal care.