Harmful traditional cord care practices amongst mothers in south-eastern, Nigeria: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Enduring harmful traditional umbilical cord care practices have continued to remarkably contribute to neonatal sepsis and mortality in Nigeria, despite WHO recommendations. While knowledge of safe practices is often high, the persistence of harmful traditional practices (HTPs) remains a concern. This study aimed at exploring and identifying harmful traditional cord care practices among mothers in a South Eastern Nigerian community. Method A cross-sectional study conducted among mothers who were conveniently enrolled; using a structured questionnaire. Data on sociodemographics, obstetric history, knowledge, and practices of cord care were collected and analyzed. Knowledge and practice scores were dichotomized into adequate/inadequate and good/poor. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, categorical variables were compared using Chi square and analysis of the association between independent and dependent variables was explored using bivariate correlations. Result Of the 167 women that participated in this study 162 (97%) attended antenatal clinic (ANC) and 166 (99.4%) delivered in health facilities. Although 156 (93.4%) had been taught cord care, only 95 (56.9%)had adequate knowledge. However, 50 (29.9%) of the participants demonstrated poor cord care practices. Harmful substances applied to the cord included Vaseline 61 (19.9%), toothpaste 17 (5.6%), and, less commonly, breast milk, herbs and Mentholatum 2 (0.7%). Younger maternal age (< 34 years) was significantly associated with poor practice (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.22–6.60, p = 0.013). No sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with knowledge. Conclusion Harmful cord care practices are still key obstacles to embracing recommended cord care practices, despite high health facility utilization and average theoretical knowledge. This knowledge-practice gap highlights the insufficiency of education alone. Interventions should involveadvocacy to religious leaders/institutions, training and mentorshipprograms for community health workers, and active promotion and integration of affordable chlorhexidine gel into routine cord care practice. However, these conclusions apply only to facility-based mothers.