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Background: Neonatal period is the most vulnerable phase in a child's life. The aim and goal of newborn care is not only to reduce neonatal mortality but more importantly to ensure their survival to the fullest. The neonatal mortality rate of India is 22 per 1000 live births. The neonatal period is only for 28 days yet it accounts for significant deaths under 5 years of age. Newborn morbidity and mortality contribute significantly to the infant mortality and under-five mortality rates in developing countries. About two-thirds of all infant deaths and 38% of all under-five deaths occur during the neonatal period, resulting in about 4 million neonatal deaths globally per year. Infant and under-five mortality ratio in developing countries have declined significantly in the past couple of decades, yet neonatal mortality rates have remained relatively static. The objective of this study was to understand the outcome of guided newborn care along with the patterns and determinants of essential newborn care and practices.Methods: A prospective cohort study was done among new borns in the postnatal ward and the outpatient (OPD) based new borns at HMCH Bhubaneswar from July 2020 to June 2021. The mothers in the postnatal ward were taught cord care, skin care, optimal thermal care and neonatal feeding practices. The regular follow-up was done maximum up to 7 days. New born who came to OPD were evaluated on perspective of essential new born care and practices, followed by their mothers at home. A questionnaire was formulated for the OPD based patients to be answered before and after guidance.Results: 100 early neonates were taken (N=50 from postnatal ward and N=50 from OPD). Out of 50 neonates in the postnatal ward. 4 (8%) had abdominal colic, 10 (20%) had skin rashes, 2 (4%) had fever, 5 (10%) had feeding issues and 9 (18%) had neonatal hyperbilirubinemia respectively. In OPD neonates 3 (6%) were diagnosed with early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), 7 (14%) had refusal to feed, 12 (24%) had skin rashes, 5 (10%) had abdominal colic, 14 (28%) were applying coconut oil and 7 (14%) developed hyperbilirubinemia. Whereas in OPD 5 (10%) neonates needed admission NICU and rest were managed symptomatically.Conclusions: New born care education and guidance helped in reduction of EONS, in gaining appropriate weight, in delivering optimal thermal care, practicing healthy skin care and implementing proper feeding techniques. All mothers need proper counselling and guidance in essential new born care.

Background: Newborn care is culturally and traditionally sensitive in every society. India is a vast country with different communities having their own traditional practices of newborn care. Squeezing of breasts in newborn period is one such unique traditional practice prevalent among population of rural background of West Bengal. This study was conducted to explore the traditional practice of squeezing of neonatal breasts and to highlight its related morbidities following the procedure among newborns.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at triage of Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Malda Medical College and Hospital among 352 mothers who presented to us with their sick newborns following squeezing of neonatal breasts. After obtaining proper informed consent, mothers were interviewed. The data were collected using pre-designed questionnaires. Statistical analyses of the data were done using SPSS version 21.Results: In the present study, majority (33.52%) of mothers were 18-21 years old and 92.90% were Muslims. Squeezing of neonatal breasts was usually done on 10th day of life (40.34%) and on 4th day of life (27.27%). Local application following squeezing was done with hot turmeric paste (31.25%) and mustard oil (27.56%). Majority of newborns presented with features of mastitis (39.49%), 15.91% with breast abscess and 35.51% with sepsis.Conclusions: This study highlights the harmful aspects of traditional practice of breasts-squeezing among newborns prevalent in rural Bengal. This practice must be condemned by everyone through an integrated approach of proper health education and counseling of mothers and family members.

Background: Knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers is very crucial in providing care to newborns. Aim was to assess determinants of the knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers on essential newborn care.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 postnatal mother - neonate dyads in one of the selected Primary Health Centres (PHC) of rural Haryana. A self-developed, pre-tested and validated structured interview schedule containing socio-demographic, clinical profile information and a knowledge and practice questionnaires (α-0.79, 0.86) having 38 multiple choice questions (MCQs) and 28 items respectively were used for data collection covering various aspects of essential newborn care such as thermal care, breastfeeding, cord care, eye care, handwashing, and danger signs. Results: More than half (52%) of the postnatal mothers had moderate knowledge and 76.7% of postnatal mothers reported of adequate practices. Gaps were identified in terms of knowledge and practices in the domains of thermal control, breastfeeding, cord care and eye care. Overall knowledge and practice scores of postnatal mothers were positively correlated (r =0.71, p

Background: Globally 4 million newborn die every year before they reach the age of one month. To achieve the millennium developmental goals newborn survival is essential. Aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge of antenatal women on essential new born care and danger signs during neonatal period, to find the association of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics with maternal knowledge level. Settings and design included descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: The study enrolled 439 antenatal women by convenient sampling technique. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 21 version was used to analysis the data. Chi square was calculated to find the association. P value of

Background: Postnatal care is the important portion of maternal health care as it helps to assess the health status of mother and newborn. It promotes to rectify the defect and to identify the progress of the baby that is essential to solve the health issues.Methods: All 100 postnatal women were assessed regarding awareness of self and newborn care using structured questionnaire.Results: In this study maximum number were in age group of 21-25 years (42%). Majority of respondents were literate (88%). Main source of information regarding postnatal and neonatal care is given by health care personnel (49%). 77% cleaned the perineum after defecation and urination. 39% of postnatal mothers practice postnatal exercise. 54% were aware of spacing between two pregnancies. Majority of mothers agreed that colostrum is first breast milk and are aware on giving it to newborn (68%). 78% are aware of exclusively breast feeding baby for 6 months. 79% of postnatal women were aware vaccines prevent diseases in baby. Postnatal mothers had good awareness about self and newborn care.Conclusions: The first 48 hours after delivery is the time when the mother and baby are most vulnerable to morbidity and mortality associated with childbirth. Postnatal care is one of the most important maternal health care for not only prevention of impairment and disabilities, but also for reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Background: Despite efforts by the government and other agencies, neonatal morbidity and mortality continues to be high in India. Among other reasons, Newborn care practices are major contributors for such high rates. Methods: Community based, cross sectional study was done in the rural field practice area covered under Primary Health Centre, Hesaraghatta, and Bengaluru rural. A semi structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used to interview 160 mothers of the newborns in the study area. Results: 160 mothers were interviewed at their home within 15 days of delivery. All the mothers (100%) had registered at the time of pregnancy, received prescribed doses of tetanus toxoid and Iron folic acid (IFA) tablets. 160 study participants underwent institutional deliveries. Among all the deliveries sterile blade and sterile cord clamp was used for cord care. Immediate bath was given to 2.5% of cases. About 62.5% of the mothers initiated breast feeding within 1 hour and colostrum was fed to 95.6% of babies. About 137 (85.6%) babies were immunized up to date. Conclusions: Irrespective of the educational and socio-economic status of the mothers there were 100% institutional deliveries in our rural field practice area. This is because of various Maternal and Child Health (MCH) related schemes under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by increasing institutional deliveries.

Background: There are a high proportion of home deliveries in rural India. The present study was carried out to assess newborn care practices among home births and reasons for delivering at home. Methods: A community based cross sectional survey of recently delivered mothers (

Background: In India, the state of Madhya Pradesh has one of the highest infant mortality rates (IMR) as compared to the national average. About two out of every three infant deaths in Madhya Pradesh, are of neonates. Given the high neonatal mortality rate in the state, this study aimed to explore the perceptions, practices, barriers and enablers related to critical newborn care behaviors, such as cord-care, thermal care, skin-to-skin care, and early initiation of breastfeeding, in the first 24 hours of life.Methods: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 53 respondents including mothers and fathers of the newborn, mothers-in-law, elected community and tribal leaders, local NGO representatives, and frontline health workers, in two districts of Madhya Pradesh.Results: Few mothers knew about the benefits of cord care, thermal care and early initiation of breastfeeding. Fathers lacked knowledge and perceived newborn care as the mother’s responsibility. Skin-to-skin care was rarely practiced; and was perceived across respondent groups as necessary only for weak infants. Older women, influential in decision making in the household, held misconceptions about thermal care and breastfeeding practices. Traditions and social norms emerged as major barriers while institutional delivery served as an enabling factor for the practice of correct newborn-care behaviors.Conclusions: To increase adoption of critical newborn behaviours, health care providers will have to move beyond mere interpersonal communication with individual mothers at facility or household levels towards a community and societal approach. A strategic behaviour change communication program that addresses deep-rooted traditional and social norms is required to help the state reduce infant deaths.

Background: Substantial progress has been made in reducing under five mortality, infant mortality in the last two decades. We need to focus our attention in reducing neonatal mortality.Methods: Setting and design was observational study in SNCU of Government General Hospital, Kakinada. Data collected using semi-structured questionnaire and Hospital Records of mother and newborn. Analysis was done using MS EXCEL2007 and SPSS 20 software. Sample size and time period was a convenient sample of 300 mothers were interviewed from Jan- June, 2018.Results: The mean age of the mothers in the study is 23.39±3.195 years and age at marriage is 19.12±2.29 years. 79% of study population belong to lower social classes. Maternal risk factors-35.6 % are pre-obese or obese and 9.3% underweight, 11.3% had

Background: Newborn period is culturally and traditionally sensitive in every society. Different communities have different traditional practices when it comes to taking care of newborn. Head-shaving in newborn period is one such unique traditional practice existent among rural population of West Bengal. This study was conducted to explore the traditional practice of head-shaving and to highlight its related morbidities among newborns following head-shaving.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at triage of special newborn care unit of Malda Medical College and Hospital among 650 mothers who presented to us with their sick newborns following head-shaving. After obtaining informed consent, mothers were interviewed. The data were collected using pre-designed questionnaires. Statistical analyses of the data were done using SPSS version 21.Results: In the present study, majority (52.62%) of the mothers were within the age group of 18-21 years and 94.15% belonged to Muslim community. Neonatal head-shaving was usually done on 4th day of life (48.15%) and on 10th day of life (28.77%). Baby bath following head-shaving was given in 49.54% newborns using pond water and 77.70 % mothers used crude mustard oil for massaging following baby bath. Following head-shaving, 37.69% of newborns presented with poor feeding, 33.23% with abdominal distension and 61.23% presented with respiratory distress.Conclusions: Findings of present study highlights the harmful aspects of traditional practice of head-shaving among newborns in rural Bengal. This practice can be avoided by proper health education and counselling of the mothers and her associates involved in newborn care.

Background: In spite of advances in neonatal care, infant mortality is still high in India. Regular follow up of discharged newborns could bring down infant mortality and reduce long term disability by early identification and intervention. The primary objective of the study is evaluating the Special Newborn Care Unit(SNCU) graduates for Comorbidities, feeding and immunization practices, growth assessment and outcome during follow up.Methods: The discharged neonates from SNCU, GRMC were examined for their morbidity and growth monitoring done. Feeding and immunization practices were observed.Results: Among 100 neonates observed, 2 neonates were excluded and 41(41.8%) were females and 57(58.1%) were males. Major causes of indication of admission were prematurity (25.5%) and birth asphyxia (22.4%). During follow up, 23(23.4%) neonates had respiratory infections followed by 19 cases (19.3%) of diarrhea. Around 45(45.9%) infants’ weight fall between -1 to +1 SD which was around 55 infants during admission. Length monitoring showed that around 68(69.3%) infants length fall between -1 to +1 SD which was 72 during admission. Exclusive breast feeding was observed in 68(69.3%) infants, 7 infants (7.1%) were exclusively top fed, and 19 infants (19.3%) were mixed fed. Immunization was appropriately done in only 51 infants (52%). Retinopathy of prematurity was observed in 2 infants during follow up. Hearing difficulty was observed in 1 infant.Conclusions: Most common indication of admission in SNCU was prematurity. Most common comorbidity during follow up was respiratory infection. Weight monitoring of infants showed the reduction in weight during follow up than admission whereas length and head circumference was relatively static during admission and follow up.

Background: Faulty or lack of intranatal care can lead to a number of morbidities in the neonatal period. Newborn care in any community is influenced by cultural practices prevalent in that area apart from medical and economic causes. In India, morbidity and mortality of mother and child directly or indirectly is governed by the customs prevalent in their society. Infant feeding and rearing practices vary across communities, depending on social customs. This study was planned to give us an insight about the neonatal rearing and feeding practices among mothers and the factors influencing their practices in Punjab. Methods: This facility based one point cross sectional descriptive study was done in Pediatrics wards and postnatal wards of Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot. The newborn rearing practices were interviewed from the families accompanying the babies with age less than four weeks using structured questionnaire. Results: 965 babies were enrolled for the study. The mean age of the mother was 28.3 ± 3.5 years and 51% of the mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding. High proportion of neonates (70%) was given prelacteals feeding, honey being most common. Oil massage to the baby was practiced by 99% of the mothers. Bath after 24 hours of delivery was given to 74% newborns. 89% of the babies were vaccinated after birth. Conclusions: People like to follow their rituals and customs eliminating potentially harmful practices should be tried keeping those in mind. The strengthening of the information, education and the communication to improve the existing neonatal rearing practices is the need of the day.

Background: Anganwadi workers (AWW) are India’s primary tool against the menace of child malnourishment, infant mortality, and lack of child education, community health. The anganwadi workers should have basic knowledge of treatment of minor ailment. So with this aim this study was planned to assess the existing knowledge regarding minor ailments of children among anganwadi workers problems and in curbing preventable diseases. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Community Medicine SGRDIMSAR, Amritsar. By adopting stratified random sampling technique, 5 AWW were selected per each training session. A pre- designed and pre-tested questionnaire prepared was used to collect information from AWW. Pre-test and post-test assessment to determine the knowledge of minor ailments among AWW was done. The data collected was statistically analysed using SPSS 20.0 version. Results: The study revealed that out of 135 AWW, 40% were in the age group of 25-45 years. Only 8.9% AWW were aware that a neonate should be referred in case he suffers from any of these conditions i.e. hypothermia, jaundice, fever. Awareness about newborn care practices was observed to increase with increase in education level. There was statistically significant improvement in the knowledge regarding minor ailments in post-test scores of AWWs. Conclusions: Anganwadi workers are India’s primary tool against the scourges of child malnourishment, infant mortality and curbing preventive diseases such as most minor ailments.

Background: : Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is a trained female community health activist. ASHAs are local women trained to act as facilitator and promoters of health care in their communities. ASHA is trained to work as an interface between the community and the public health system. ASHA play an important role in newborn care to reduce their morbidity and mortality.Methods: Data were collected from ASHAs working in Shibbur area of Howrah District, west Bengal. The study sample consisted of 70 ASHAs working in the Shibpur area that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A predesigned pretested questionnaire of ASHA was used to collect data in the study.Results: The mean age of ASHAs was 35.74 years. Only 32 (45.71%) had received middle level (class VIII) education. Only 45.71 % of ASHAs had good knowledge and practice regarding hypothermia and its complication and the procedure of providing warmth the baby after delivery. Only 57.1% of ASHA had good knowledge regarding counseling and problem solving on breast feeding. Only 38.57% had good knowledge and practices on identification and basic skill on management of Low Birth Weight (LBW) having birth weight of

Background: India contributes to 25% of neonatal mortality around the world. In developing countries neonatal mortality is quite high despite of advances in perinatal and neonatal care. The establishment of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU) has been quite essential in reducing the neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to assess the outcome of SNCU at a newly commissioned tertiary care teaching hospital at Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. Aim of this study the morbidity and mortality patterns in an SNCU at tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: It was a Retrospective, Hospital based, Descriptive study which was done among neonates admitted to SNCU, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh for a period of 1 year (January 2015-December 2015). All the neonates admitted to SNCU, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh during the study period were included in the study. Data was recorded in a predesigned semi-structured proforma. the data was entered into excel-sheet and analyzed using SPSS software version 21.Results: A total of 1015 babies were included in the study. Almost half 592(58.32%) were born in this hospital(inborn) and 423(41.67%) babies were referred from peripheral hospitals and nursing homes (out born). about 3/4th 767(75.5%) of babies were admitted in the first 24 hours of life. Almost half (53.4%) of the study group were male and 46.6% were female. The chief causes of admission in SNCU were Respiratory Distress Syndrome (40.2%) followed by birth asphyxia (19.1%), sepsis (13.3%), Neonatal Jaundice (9.9%) and prematurity (6.6%). In our study 63.0% patients were discharged, 19.3% had left hospital against medical advice, 10.1% died and 7.6% were referred to other institutions for specialized treatment.Conclusion: Respiratory Distress Syndrome, neonatal sepsis, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and HIE as the major causes of morbidity. Low Birth Weight and prematurity were the commonest contributors of death, therefore, attempts to prolong the pregnancy each week might improve the neonatal outcome considerably.

Background: Mobile Applications are being developed at a rapid speed and are intensively used by students. It can help to achieve better performance in organizing, managing, and monitoring classroom activities.Aims and objectives: Present study aimedto assess and compare the knowledge and practice regarding FBNC among nursing students in MBL group and MABL group before and after the administration of MBL and MABL. The conceptual framework of the study was based on CIPP model by Stufflebeam.Methods: A Quantitative research approach with quasi-experimental and non-equivalent controlgroup pre–test post–test design. The study was conducted at two nursing colleges of Ambala, Haryana. A total of 70 B.Sc. Nursing 3rd Year students, randomly allocated to 2 groups i.e. 35 in MBL and 35 in MABL. The tool used for the study consisted of structured knowledge questionnaire and observational check list was used to assess knowledge and practices by OSCE method of nursing students regarding FBNC. Data collection was done in January, 2017. The obtained data was analyzed and interpreted in terms of objectives and researchResults: Findingsof the study indicate that revealed that mean post- test knowledge and practices score in MBL group (21.4 ±0.89) and in MABL group (22.4 ± 0.54) was significantly higher than pre-test knowledge score in MBL group (14.6±15.0) and in MABL group (16.2±17.0). Also, the mean post-test practice score in MBL group (38.1±1.91) and in MABL group (38.9± 1.20) was significantly higher than pre-test practicescore in MBL (20.4 ± 3.70) as well as in MABL group (20.5 ± 4.26). Mild positive significant relationship (r=0.03) was found between post test score of knowledge and practicesConclusion: MABL was more effective in developing the practices of nursing students regarding FBNC than MBL.

Background: Essential newborn care (ENC) provides for an opportunity to assess the infant’s growth and development and counsel mothers regarding proper newborn care. Acquainting the caregivers with knowledge pertaining to dangers signs, hygienic practices, feeding, weaning, health and nutrition including growth and behaviour of children, might affect the rearing of their children. Therefore the present study aims to study the knowledge of caregivers in relation to newborn care.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among the caregivers attending the immunization clinic in a tertiary care centre (King George's Medical University) in Lucknow between January- March, 2016. A pretested and structured interview questionnaire was used to collect data and analysis was done using SPSS ver 16.0.Results: In Majority (75%) of the caregivers the knowledge regarding ENC was found to be average. Only 4% of the caregivers had good knowledge of ENC. Among the variables the association of knowledge of ENC and age of the caregiver< 30 years, general caste, level of education of the caregiver of high School and above, middle socioeconomic status, female sex of the newborn, birth order of 2 or more, >4 ANC visits and new born care not discussed in the VHND being conducted in the area were found to be statistically significantly.Conclusions: On the whole, the results of our study indicated that most of the caregivers were having unsatisfactory knowledge of child care practices. The present scenario can be improved through enhancing information education and counselling activities, training of health workers and mothers focusing on newborn health care practices.

Background: Neonatal care practices are different in different communities. Before any intervention planned to reduce mortality and mortality in community, understanding of local belief and practices is necessary. Some of the harmful practices need to be abandoned and good or harmless practices need to be appreciated. This study was conducted to understand the cultural beliefs and practices in newborn care among residents of Uttarakhand.Methods: This was descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 300 postnatal mothers admitted to the hospital. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analyses of the data was done using SSPS version 22.0.Results: 4% of the mothers believed colostrum to be unsuitable for the newborn. 71% mothers were practicing daily baby massage. 71.3% believed that hot and cold foods can harm their baby’s health. 57.3% practiced application of Kajal on baby’s face. 74.7% of mothers would keep Knife under pillow and 16.7% match box under baby’s cloth. 5.3% mother believed in practice of branding. 81% of mothers accept to practice of pouring oil in baby’s ear. 22.3% mothers believed in isolating mother baby together for 30-40 days.Conclusions: Certain practices are still prevalent like Branding, discarding colostrum, Kajal application, pouring oil in baby’s ear and very restricted dietary regime of mothers. These practices need to be stopped by educating mothers and relatives in postnatal wards.

Background: NMR contributes to two-third of infant mortality and proper newborn care is essential for achieving the target of reduction in IMR. The present study was conducted to find the newborn care practices in a rural community and to explore the associated factors.Methods: The present community based cross sectional study was conducted upon children born in the study area within past three months. Mothers were interviewed using pretested proforma.Results: It was seen that 87.3% children were cared by their mothers, rooming-in was universal, 82.1% children were kept warm, early bathing was avoided by 45.8% mothers, 96.2% of children were given vaccine at birth and umbilical stump hygiene was maintained in 61.3% cases.Conclusions: The newborn care practices are far from ideal. Community based interventions can be helpful to improve the same.

Background: Early neonatal period (

Background: India accounts for 24% of global neonatal mortality. It is important to study the mortality and morbidity pattern as it helps to implement new treatment protocols, interventions, planning and policy making which helps in better survival and improvement in the quality of life among survivors. The aim of the project study was to determine the causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates admitted in our hospital.Methods: This study was conducted at Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Institute of Medical Science and Research providing level II neonatal care. This is a retrospective hospital based observational study. Data from admission and discharge registers were extracted, compiled and analyzed from March 2016 to February 2018. Neonates taken against medical advice and those referred to tertiary care centers were excluded in calculation of survival outcome. Statistical analysis was done in form of percentage, proportions and chi square test was used to find statistical significance.Results: 1582 neonates were admitted during the study period. 60.80% were inborn and 39.20% were outborn. 59.54% were male and 40.46% were female. Major causes of admission were jaundice (24.72%), sepsis (20.48%), birth asphyxia (18.52%), meconium aspiration syndrome (10.11%). Birth asphyxia was the major cause of mortality, followed by sepsis and prematurity. Mortality was more in outborn babies 14.67% compared to inborn babies 9.80%.Conclusions: Neonatal jaundice, birth asphyxia and sepsis were the commonest causes of morbidity. Common causes of mortality were birth asphyxia and sepsis and prematurity. More deliveries at institutions with SNCU facility, early identification of danger signs and timely referral to tertiary care centers can prevent neonatal deaths.

Background: Breastfeeding, proper weaning practices, and newborn care play a crucial role in the health of a child. The objective of the study is to determine the availability of information regarding breastfeeding, newborn care and immunization and to find out about the attitude of women towards newborn care practices.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary health care centre in an urban area in Navi Mumbai, on primigravidae in their third trimester of pregnancy. The data was collected by a questionnaire, results were analysed by EpiInfo7.Results: 93% women knew the benefits of breastfeeding, 92% knew of exclusive breastfeeding. 90% would initiate breastfeeding immediately after delivery, 83% would not give prelacteal feeds. 75% would practise skin-to-skin contact and 95% would practise rooming-in technique. 44% would delay bathing the newborn. 95% women received TT immunisation. All agreed to vaccinate their child. 19% believed traditional practices like applying kajal to eyes, prelacteal feeds etc. to be hazardous.Conclusions: The knowledge pregnant women have about breastfeeding and newborn care is inadequate. There is a need for intervention measures such as behavior-change-communication and better health services, to equip mothers so they may provide optimal care to their babies.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence, severity and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in late preterm newborn at a district level SNCU in eastern India.Methods: The initial examination was carried out at 3 weeks of postnatal age or at 31weeks of post-conceptional age, whichever was later. Retinopathy was graded into stages and zones as per the ICROP classification. Those who had ROP were examined every week till regression occurred or till they reached criteria for laser treatment which was type I Prethreshold ROP as per ET ROP guideline. Risk factors for the development of ROP were determined by reviewing maternal and perinatal history and hospital case records.Results: 212 late ptreterm newborn were examined. The incidence of ROP in late preterm was 16.51% (35 out of 212 newborn). Incidence of stage I ROP was 6.60 % (14 newborn had stage I ROP). Incidence of stage II ROP was 6.60% (14 had stage II ROP). None had stage III ROP. 7 had APROP. Incidence of APROP was 3.30 %. 5 out of 14 newborns with stage II ROP (35.71%) required laser treatment. All newborn with APROP required both laser and Anti VEGF treatment. Overall 34.28% of late preterm with ROP required treatment. There was no difference in gestational age and birth weight in late preterm with and without ROP. There was significant difference in the duration of oxygen therapy in late preterm with and without ROP (6.657±2.531days vs 0.694±1.397 days, p

Background: Even though the neonatal, maternal and perinatal mortality is declining in our country, still the morbidity and mortality rate is very high. Further improvement is possible by increasing awareness and appropriate practices of mothers towards pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and essential newborn care. Objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of postnatal mothers regarding pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and newborn care. These feeding practices were assessed in postnatal mothers, using a structured questionnaire.Methods: Univariate analyses method [such as frequencies, percent distribution, means, and standard deviations (SD)] and Binary Logistic regression method was used for analysis of data with help of analyse-it and SPSS software.Results: Knowledge regarding pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care: Mean percentage obtained was 68.128% (SD of 18.15). 100% was obtained by only 7 mothers (2.3% of total). Knowledge regarding essential newborn care: Mean percentage obtained was 59.8% (SD of 19.6). 100% was obtained by only 15 mothers (5% of total). A total of 71 mothers failed, constituting 23.7% of total. Education status and parity status both were significantly associated with maternal knowledge regarding pregnancy and postpartum but they do not predict the outcome very well.Conclusions: Postnatal mothers had inadequate knowledge on pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and newborn care. Therefore educational intervention at multiple levels is required during the period of antenatal, and postnatal visits. Secondly socio-demographic factors- educational status and parity status of postnatal mothers were not associated with maternal knowledge.

Background: Retention of neonatal resuscitation skill among birth attendants have been a challenge in developing countries. The objective of the study was to document the performance of skill labs and its impact on the skill and knowledge of the birth attendants in India.Methods: In three districts of Uttar Pradesh, impact assessment of twelve skill labs was done adopting mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology.Results: Twelve skill labs supported skill building of 606 birth attendants over one year. Six of the units performed well and four moderately and too units poorly. The health functionaries at all levels were positive about their experience about the skill labs. Majority of them hoped sustenance of these units. There was marked retention of resuscitation skill after one year.Conclusions: The skill labs appear to be useful modality for promoting retention of the resuscitation skills of birth attendants.

Background: Neonatal mortality is high in tribal areas. Cultural practices influence the newborn health outcomes in tribal communities. Each tribe has its own unique practices on newborn rearing. Little scientific information is available on the beliefs and practices related to essential newborn care among tribes in Tamilnadu. An understanding of the tribe specific newborn care practices by health workers could facilitate them to provide effective newborn care. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Sittilingi tribal area in Dharmapuri district of Tamilnadu during the period August and September 2016. The data was collected by In-Depth interviews of 10 mothers with infants, selected by Snow ball sampling method. Local newborn care beliefs and practices were explored and analysis of their beneficial or harmful effects was carried out. Results: The findings show that beneficial practices like utilizing antenatal services, institutional deliveries, delayed bathing and measures to prevent infection were adopted. Harmful practices being followed included late initiation of breastfeeding, denying colostrum, feeding prelacteals, improper thermal care and application of indigenous substances on umbilical cord stump. Conclusions: In spite of utilization of health services, traditional beliefs still play a crucial role in influencing neonatal care practices in the study area. The findings necessitate a need for accessing the prevalence of cultural practices by quantitative studies. Midwives being a vital source of information should be aware of local cultural practices in their work place, to plan for effective behavior change among the mothers to preserve safe practices and avoid harmful practices.

Background: India carries the single largest share (around 25-30%) of neonatal deaths in the world. It has been estimated that about 70% of neonatal deaths could be prevented if proven interventions are implemented effectively with high coverage. Methods : A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at various health facilities of Rajkot district where facility based newborn care are created as per the guidelines under NRHM. It was conducted during August 2013 to October, 2013. The data entry was done in Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and analyzed in Epi info software from CDC Atlanta. Results: This study included total 32 health facilities including 10 Primary Health Centers (PHC) (24X7), 15 Community Health Centers (CHC), 5 Sub District Hospitals (SDH), one District Hospital (DH) and one Medical College (MC). There are a total of 36 facilities of different level available in government set up for newborn care starting from NBCC to SNCU. All (100%) of the health centers visited were equipped with NBCC for newborn care, while NBSU and SNCU for newborn care were created at only 2 (6.2%) centers respectively . Only 2 out of 10 PHC had all required equipments for NBCC. All the required equipments were available at 3 CHCs out of total 15 CHCs. All the SDH were having adequate equipment for NBCC except resuscitator & separate Digital Thermometer were not available at 2 SDH. At DH, except for Digital thermometer, all equipments were adequate. Only 1 SDH has been established for NBSU and it did not have adequate no. of radiant warmer and resuscitator. DH is lacking in all the required equipment for SNCU except for resuscitator (250 ml) and refrigerator. Out of total 101 health personnel, 68 (67.3%) have been trained for NSSK. From total 68 trained health personnel, 12 (17.7%) got the score above the cut off for resuscitation skill. Out of the trained respondents, 29 (42.7%) acquired score above cut off for routine care. Conclusion: All the PHCs, CHCs, SDHs and DH were deficient in equipments. NBSU was created in only one SDH. SNBU was created at DH and MC, but equipments were not sufficient at both centers. Health care providers involved in facility based newborn care units had poor knowledge regarding routine newborn care and also not properly trained in resuscitation.