1Assistant Professor, Medical Sociology, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, U.P.
2Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, U.P.
3Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, U.P.
4Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, U.P.
5Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, U.P.
*Corresponding author: Sartaj Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Medical Sociology, Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, Meerut, U. P., Email: Sartajsaleem@gmail.com, Contact No 098979093882
Online published on 31 January, 2015.
During the past two decades there has been a sustained decline in child and infant mortality, however neonatal mortality has remained relatively unchanged. Almost all neonatal deaths (99%) occur in developing countries, where the majority are delivered at homes. Evidence suggests that these deaths could be prevented by simple, inexpensive practices and interventions during the pregnancy, delivery and postnatal period.
To assess the newborn care practices in home deliveries this can affect the neonatal morbidity and mortality.
The community based, cross- sectional study was carried out in the Muslim area of urban slum of Meerut, UP.
The study was carried out from February 2013 to July 2013. In this study 150 Muslim mothers of infants up to 12 months of age were randomly selected for interview. A semi structured, pre tested questionnaire was used. All participants were informed regarding the purpose of study and their consent was obtained for data collection.
The study showed that many harmful and un-indicated neonatal practices were prevalent in the community. Out of all home deliveries 70.00% were conducted by untrained birth attendant. (80.00%.) respondents used new shaving blades to cut cord and turmeric powder with mustered oil was applied frequently. 90.00% immediate bathing after birth, 68.00% initiated breast-feeding within 24 hrs and 53.64% mothers had not given colostrum to their baby.
Practices regarding newborn care was poor among the mothers. Inadequate antenatal care, unhealthy newborn care practices are highly prevalent. This should be promoted through improved coverage with existing health services
Home Births, Traditional Birth Attendant, Hypothermia, Birth Asphyxia, Breastfeeding
