KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF PERSONAL HYGIENE AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS ATTENDING OBIYON PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER UROMI EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examined postnatal care knowledge and practices among mothers in Obiyon Community, Uromi, Edo State. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, and data were obtained from 120 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 27, was employed for data organization, presentation, and analysis. The hypotheses were tested using the t-test to determine statistical significance.

The findings indicated that postnatal mothers demonstrated a considerable level of knowledge concerning newborn care, with a high level of compliance with recommended care practices. The study also established a positive relationship between maternal knowledge and newborn care practices. This finding highlights the importance of appropriate educational interventions in encouraging healthy behaviours among postnatal mothers.

The study concluded that improving maternal and newborn health outcomes requires increased access to comprehensive postnatal education, stronger antenatal and postnatal healthcare services, effective collaboration among relevant stakeholders, regular monitoring and evaluation, greater male participation in postnatal care, and attention to socioeconomic factors affecting healthcare access. The study further emphasized the need to identify and address existing gaps in postnatal care knowledge and practices among mothers in Obiyon Community. By identifying areas that require improvement and providing evidence-based recommendations, the research contributes to existing knowledge on maternal and child health, particularly in underserved communities. It therefore highlights the importance of targeted interventions that strengthen postnatal education, improve healthcare delivery, and reduce socioeconomic barriers to accessing essential services. These measures are important for improving the health and survival of mothers and newborns and reducing inequalities in maternal and child healthcare.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Postnatal care is an essential component of maternal and child healthcare, as it addresses the health and well-being of both the mother and her newborn following childbirth. The postnatal period generally covers the first six weeks after delivery and is characterized by important physical, emotional, and psychological changes for the mother. During this period, adequate knowledge and appropriate practices relating to personal hygiene and newborn care are necessary to prevent complications and support healthy development (Romano, Cacciatore, Giordano, & La Rosa, 2020). The period immediately following childbirth is particularly important because the care provided during this time can influence the long-term health of both the mother and the baby.

In communities such as Obiyon Community in Uromi, Edo State, maternal health behaviours and outcomes are influenced by several factors, including cultural beliefs, socioeconomic conditions, and the availability of healthcare services. Knowledge of postnatal care involves the mother's understanding of appropriate personal hygiene, the management of discomfort following childbirth, and the identification of warning signs that may indicate health complications. It also includes knowledge of essential newborn care practices, such as breastfeeding, bathing, immunization, and recognizing symptoms of illness in the baby (Darmstadt et al., 2021). These areas of knowledge are important in preventing neonatal illnesses and deaths, especially in communities where access to healthcare resources may be limited.

The postnatal care practices adopted by mothers are frequently influenced by information obtained from healthcare professionals, family members, and other community sources. Nevertheless, mothers living in rural and underserved communities may have limited access to adequate health education and support. This situation can contribute to inappropriate personal hygiene, inadequate newborn care, and an increased risk of infections and other health complications (Samanta, 2021). Differences in access to quality postnatal healthcare therefore demonstrate the importance of introducing educational programmes that respond to the needs of mothers in these communities.

Assessing the knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers in such settings is necessary for identifying existing challenges and developing appropriate interventions to improve maternal and newborn health. Previous studies have indicated that improving maternal education and ensuring continuous support throughout the postnatal period can contribute significantly to newborn health and survival (MacArthur et al., 2022). Consequently, postnatal educational programmes should consider the cultural values, beliefs, and specific healthcare needs of the communities in which they are implemented.

Healthcare professionals have an important responsibility in providing mothers with accurate information and guidance on appropriate postnatal care. Their interactions with pregnant women during antenatal appointments and with mothers immediately after childbirth can influence maternal health behaviours and the overall well-being of newborns (Shrestha, Bhattarai, & Silwal, 2023). For this reason, healthcare workers require adequate training in communication, health education, and effective strategies for supporting mothers during the postnatal period.

Furthermore, community-based programmes have demonstrated their potential to improve postnatal care practices. The involvement of community health workers and the use of existing community support networks can increase the accessibility and effectiveness of maternal health education (Tesfahun, Worku, Mazengiya, & Kifle, 2020). Such programmes should focus on equipping mothers with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to maintain their health and provide appropriate care for their newborns.

Socioeconomic conditions are also important factors influencing the quality of postnatal care received by mothers. Women from economically disadvantaged households may experience difficulties such as inadequate transportation, financial challenges, and limited access to healthcare facilities. These circumstances can prevent them from obtaining the postnatal services and support they require (World Health Organization, 2020). Addressing these challenges through appropriate health policies and community support initiatives is essential for improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Cultural beliefs and traditional practices may also influence the decisions mothers make concerning postnatal care. In certain communities, traditional methods of caring for mothers and newborns may differ from recommended medical practices, potentially resulting in inappropriate or harmful health behaviours (Monebenimp et al., 2023). Understanding these cultural influences and incorporating acceptable cultural considerations into postnatal programmes can encourage community participation, strengthen trust, and improve the adoption of recommended healthcare practices.

Continuous education and professional support throughout the postnatal period are particularly important. Regular follow-up appointments and assessments by healthcare providers enable the health conditions of mothers and newborns to be monitored, potential complications to be identified early, and appropriate care practices to be reinforced (World Health Organization, 2001). These interactions also provide opportunities to educate mothers on essential newborn care, including breastfeeding, immunization, and proper hygiene.

In addition, innovative approaches such as home-based newborn care programmes have shown potential for improving postnatal health outcomes. These programmes involve trained healthcare workers visiting mothers and their newborns at home to provide health education, assessment, and practical support. Such services can reduce challenges associated with transportation and limited access to healthcare facilities (The Center for High-Impact Philanthropy, 2023). Home-based interventions may be especially useful in rural and underserved communities where healthcare facilities are difficult to reach.

Research has also shown that interventions designed to improve maternal knowledge and postnatal care practices can contribute to reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality (Shahjahan et al., 2022). Such interventions should address essential areas of newborn care, including early initiation of breastfeeding, appropriate hygiene, timely immunization, and the ability to identify danger signs that require immediate medical attention.

Generally, postnatal care remains a fundamental aspect of maternal and child healthcare because of its influence on the health and survival of both mothers and newborns. Addressing deficiencies in maternal knowledge and care practices through effective health education, community-based interventions, and continuous professional support can improve health outcomes. A proper understanding of the challenges experienced by mothers in different communities will also help in developing suitable strategies to ensure that mothers and their newborns receive adequate care during this important period.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The period following childbirth is a particularly important stage in the health and well-being of both mothers and newborns. Despite its importance, several challenges continue to affect the provision and utilization of appropriate postnatal care. In communities such as Obiyon in Uromi, Edo State, different factors may contribute to inadequate postnatal care practices and consequently expose mothers and their newborns to preventable health risks.

One major concern is the possible lack of adequate knowledge among postnatal mothers regarding personal hygiene and proper newborn care. Appropriate postnatal care is necessary for preventing complications such as infections, postpartum haemorrhage, and illnesses affecting newborns (Romano et al., 2020). However, mothers in rural and underserved communities may not always receive sufficient health education, professional guidance, and support from healthcare providers (Samanta, 2021). This situation may affect their ability to make informed decisions and adopt recommended care practices after childbirth.

Socioeconomic difficulties further contribute to the challenges associated with accessing postnatal healthcare services. Financial constraints and other economic limitations may prevent mothers from attending follow-up appointments, obtaining essential hygiene materials, or maintaining adequate nutrition, all of which are important for maternal recovery and newborn health (World Health Organization, 2020; Monebenimp et al., 2023). In addition, cultural beliefs and traditional practices may influence maternal decisions and, in some situations, encourage behaviours that are inconsistent with recommended healthcare guidelines (Shahjahan et al., 2022).

Differences in maternal knowledge and healthcare practices may also contribute to variations in health outcomes across communities and socioeconomic groups. For example, mothers in economically disadvantaged areas may depend on traditional birth attendants or other informal sources of health information that may not always reflect current medical recommendations. This can result in inadequate postnatal care and inappropriate newborn care practices (Shrestha et al., 2023). Such challenges demonstrate the need for effective health education and support systems that can improve the quality of postnatal care available to mothers.

Furthermore, it is important to establish whether mothers' knowledge of postnatal care is reflected in the practices they adopt when caring for their newborns. Having adequate information does not necessarily mean that mothers will be able to apply it effectively, particularly when they encounter cultural, financial, or healthcare-related barriers. Understanding the relationship between maternal knowledge and actual care practices is therefore essential for developing appropriate interventions.

Although improved maternal education has been associated with better health outcomes for mothers and newborns (MacArthur et al., 2022), there is a need to examine the specific knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers in Obiyon Community. Therefore, this study seeks to assess postnatal care knowledge and practices among mothers in the community, identify areas that require improvement, and examine the relationship between their knowledge and newborn care practices. The findings are expected to provide useful information for developing interventions that promote better maternal and newborn health and help reduce preventable complications.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general aim of this study is to assess postnatal care knowledge and practices among mothers in Obiyon Community, Uromi, Edo State.

The specific objectives are to:

Determine the level of knowledge of postnatal mothers regarding appropriate newborn care at primary healthcare centres in Obiyon Community, Uromi, Edo State.

Assess the extent to which postnatal mothers practise recommended newborn care.

Examine the relationship between postnatal mothers' knowledge and their practices concerning newborn care.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions were developed to guide the study:

What is the level of knowledge of postnatal mothers regarding appropriate newborn care at primary healthcare centres in Obiyon Community, Uromi, Edo State?

What newborn care practices are currently adopted by postnatal mothers in the community?

What relationship exists between postnatal mothers' knowledge and their practices regarding newborn care?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study:

There is no statistically significant level of knowledge among postnatal mothers regarding newborn care at primary healthcare centres in Obiyon Community, Uromi, Edo State.

Postnatal mothers in Obiyon Community do not demonstrate adequate practices concerning newborn care.

There is no statistically significant relationship between postnatal mothers' knowledge and their newborn care practices.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is important because it seeks to address gaps in knowledge and practices relating to postnatal care, with the overall aim of contributing to improved maternal and newborn health. Examining the knowledge and practices of mothers concerning personal hygiene and newborn care is particularly relevant in underserved communities such as Obiyon in Uromi, Edo State.

First, the study will provide information about the existing level of knowledge and the care practices adopted by mothers during the postnatal period. By identifying areas where mothers demonstrate adequate understanding as well as areas where knowledge and practices are insufficient, the research will provide an overview of the current situation in the community. The findings may be useful to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community health workers in planning appropriate maternal and child health programmes. They can also support the development of educational interventions that address the specific needs and challenges of mothers in the community.

Second, the research is significant because inadequate postnatal knowledge and inappropriate care practices may expose mothers and newborns to preventable health complications. Poor personal hygiene and inadequate newborn care can increase the risk of infections, nutritional problems, and other conditions that may negatively affect maternal and infant health. By identifying specific areas where mothers lack adequate knowledge or fail to adopt recommended care practices, the study may help guide interventions aimed at reducing these risks. This is particularly important in rural and underserved communities where healthcare facilities and professional medical support may be limited.

Third, the study will examine the relationship between maternal knowledge and the actual practices adopted in newborn care. Understanding this relationship is important because possessing information does not always guarantee that individuals will apply it correctly. Certain barriers, including cultural beliefs, financial difficulties, and limited access to healthcare services, may prevent mothers from practising what they know. Identifying these challenges can assist healthcare professionals in developing more effective and culturally appropriate educational programmes. For example, where traditional beliefs influence hygiene practices, health education can be designed to address misconceptions while encouraging the adoption of safe and acceptable practices.

The findings may also contribute to improving the quality of postnatal healthcare services. Healthcare providers may use the results to strengthen their health education methods and ensure that mothers receive relevant information during antenatal visits and after childbirth. Similarly, community health workers may benefit from a better understanding of the specific needs of postnatal mothers, enabling them to provide more effective guidance and support. This will help extend health education beyond healthcare facilities and encourage the continuous application of appropriate care practices within the home.

Furthermore, the study may provide useful baseline information for future researchers and health intervention programmes. The findings can serve as a reference point for subsequent studies examining maternal knowledge, postnatal care practices, and newborn health outcomes. They may also support future research designed to monitor changes in maternal health behaviours and assess the effectiveness of educational interventions over time.

From a policy perspective, the study may provide evidence that can assist policymakers and relevant stakeholders in making decisions concerning maternal and child healthcare services. The findings may support advocacy for increased funding and improved allocation of resources to maternal health programmes. Such efforts could include strengthening community health worker training, improving healthcare infrastructure in underserved communities, and ensuring the availability of essential supplies required for effective postnatal care.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study was carried out in Obiyon Community, Uromi, Edo State, and focused on postnatal mothers who accessed postnatal healthcare services at primary healthcare centres in the community. It examined the mothers' level of knowledge and their practices concerning personal hygiene and newborn care. The study also investigated the relationship between maternal knowledge and the practices adopted in caring for newborns. Participation was restricted to mothers who had given birth within the preceding six months to ensure that the information obtained was relevant to their recent postnatal experiences.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Postnatal Care: The healthcare and support provided to a mother and her newborn following childbirth, particularly during the period immediately after delivery and up to six weeks postpartum.

Personal Hygiene: The individual practices undertaken to maintain cleanliness and protect personal health and well-being, including bathing and regular handwashing.

Newborn Care: The essential activities involved in maintaining the health and well-being of a newborn baby, including feeding, bathing, hygiene, and monitoring for signs of illness.

Knowledge: The level of awareness, understanding, and information possessed by mothers concerning appropriate postnatal care and newborn care practices.

Practices: The actions and behaviours demonstrated by mothers when applying their knowledge in caring for themselves and their newborns.

Primary Health Centres: Healthcare facilities that provide basic and essential health services, including maternal and child healthcare, to individuals and communities.

Postnatal Mothers: Women who have recently delivered a baby and are within the period following childbirth.

Health Outcomes: The effects or results of healthcare practices and interventions on the health and well-being of mothers and newborns, including the prevention or reduction of infections, illnesses, and other complications.