TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION...............................................................................................................................iii
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................... iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................................................ v
APPROVAL .................................................................................................................................. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................. vii
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................ x
LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................................... xi
ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... xii
DEFINITION OF TERMS. .........................................................................................................xiii
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................. xiv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ 1
1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1Background................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2Statement of the problem........................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Purpose of the study.................................................................................................................. 3
1.4 Specific objectives.................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Research Questions................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Justification of the study ........................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................. 6
2.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 Knowledge of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care of newborns .................... 6
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2.2 Practices of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care of newborns........................ 8
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................... 10
3.0 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Study Design and rationale .................................................................................................. 10
3.3 Study setting and rationale...................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Study Population..................................................................................................................... 11
3.4.1 Sample Size.......................................................................................................................... 11
3.4.2 Sampling procedure ............................................................................................................. 12
3.4.3 Inclusion criteria .................................................................................................................. 12
3.5 Definition of Variables ........................................................................................................... 12
3.6 Research Instruments.............................................................................................................. 13
3.7 Data Collection Procedure ...................................................................................................... 13
3.7.1 Data management................................................................................................................. 13
3.7.2 Data analysis and presentation............................................................................................. 13
3.7.3 Pilot Study............................................................................................................................ 14
3.8 Ethical Consideration.............................................................................................................. 14
3.9 Limitation of the study............................................................................................................ 14
3.10 Dissemination of results........................................................................................................ 15
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS .............................................. 16
4.0 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 16
4.1 Demographic and Social characteristics of Respondents.................................................. 16
4.2 Knowledge of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care of newborns .................. 19
4.3 Section C: Practices of postnatal mothers towards cord care of newborns .................... 24
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CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AND
NURSING IMPLICATION.......................................................................................................... 27
5.0 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 27
5.1.0 Demographic and social characteristics........................................................................... 27
5.1.1 Knowledge of Postnatal mothers toward care of the umbilical cord of newborns...... 28
5.1.2 Practices of postnatal mothers towards care of the umbilical cord of newborns ........ 30
5.2 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 33
5.3 Recommendations................................................................................................................. 33
5.3.1 Recommendations for Ministry of Health ....................................................................... 33
5.3.2 Recommendations for health workers at Kagando hospital.......................................... 34
Appendix 1: Consent Form........................................................................................................... 38
Appendix II: Interview Guide....................................................................................................... 39
Appendix III: Introductory Letter................................................................................................. 44
Appendix IV: Map of Uganda Showing Kasese district............................................................... 45
Appendix V: Map of Kasese district showing Kagando............................................................... 46
ABSTRACT This study was carried out with the aim to assess knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care of newborns in Kagando hospital postnatal ward, Kisinga sub County, Kasese district. The study objectives included; assessing knowledge of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care at Kagando hospital and determining the practices of postnatal mothers towards umbilical cord care of newborns at Kagando hospital postnatal ward, Kisinga sub County, Kasese district. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A convenient sample of 36 respondents from Kagando hospital postnatal ward completed a set of administered questionnaire. Findings revealed that all respondents interviewed 36(100%) had ever heard about umbilical cord care of newborns, 20(55.5%) of the respondents obtained information from relatives. 26(72.2%) were aware of the recommended cord care practices including using separate utensils like basins and clothes, 17(47.2%) strongly agreed that good cord care is important in maintaining the health of the baby 24(66.7%) of the respondents mentioned that they clean the cord once a day, 27(75%) agreed that they are required by culture to apply local substances to the cord. 18(67%) specified apply other substances like toothpaste, milk, baby powder, powder from roasted sweet potatoes, shoe polish, and jelly. 14(38.9%) of the respondents mentioned using any sharp instrument available for cutting the cord of newborns. This study concluded that some respondents had accurate knowledge regarding umbilical cord care. All respondents had ever heard about umbilical cord care of newborns and were aware of the recommended newborn cord care practices with an average percentage of 37.8% and they strongly agreed that good cord care is important in maintaining the health of the baby. All respondents had negative practices regarding umbilical cord care of newborns as most reported applying local substances on to the umbilical cord such as toothpaste, jelly, milk and roasted sweet potato powder. Most respondents also reported cleaning the cord only once per day and were using any sharp instruments for cutting the cord of newborns. The recommendations included abstaining from risky cord care practices, utilization of postnatal care services by postnatal mothers. Training of traditional birth attendant and including them in the existing health care system, intensifying health education information regarding umbilical cord care, increasing tetanus toxoid immunization for all women in child bearing age. Revision of national policies and standards of umbilical cord care, leaders using their influence to sensitize the community about risks of poor cord care practices