Prevalence of 8 key family practices regarding neonatal health in Sindh

Abstract

Introduction: High maternal and new-born deaths in Pakistan call for behavioral change pertaining to pregnancy and new born care. This study gauged these behaviours to guide for specific interventions. Methods: 813 mothers of neonates were interviewed in 5 districts of Sindh to assess eight key family practices.Results: 79% mothers had antenatal care (ANC) from skilled birth attendants (66% from private facilities). 69% had institutional deliveries. 16% had C-section. Among neonates, 62% were exclusively breastfed, 46% were reported to be appropriately immunized, 13% had diarrhoea, of which 97% had continued breast milk and 11% received ORS. 27% had fever of which, 57% received medicine at home. More than 52% mothers reported to rinse away neonatal faeces and 60% threw garbage outside home. Conclusions: The study produced important evidence about family practices affecting maternal and neonatal health. The study found increasing trend of institutional births and many healthy practices like continuous breast feeding during diarrhoea and identified few undesirable practices by the health care providers like increased tendencies of C-sections. Recommendations include; need for advocacy on enforcing more female decision making to seek health care outside home, strengthening of out-reach services to ensure accessibility of MNH services and implementation of effective referral health facilities, adoption of protocol/guidelines along with monitoring to ensure healthy practices