Knowledge and Practice of Umbilical Cord Care Among MothersAttending an Immunization Clinic in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The umbilical stump, if not properly cared for, becomes a route of infection into the newborn, leading to
umbilical cord infection, neonatal sepsis, and death. When caring for the newborn, some caregivers engage in harmful
practices by applying various substances to the umbilical stump, and these practices are often based on local knowledge
and culture. This study assessed knowledge and practice of umbilical cord care and their determinants among mothers
attending an immunization clinic in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among mothers who brought their infants for
immunization. Using a systematic sampling technique, 293 mothers were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using
pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires between October and November 2023. Data were analyzed using
SPSS version 23, and associations tested with the chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Level of statistical
significance was set at 5%.
Results: The mothers' mean (SD) age was 31.31 (6.38) years; most were married (69.6%), had tertiary level education
(39.6%), and were full-time housewives (33.8%). Their mean (SD) parity was 2.79 (1.14) children, the median (range)
number of ANC visits was 4 (2-10) visits, and the vast majority (80.5%) delivered their index baby at a health facility.
Overall, only 22 mothers (7.5%) demonstrated good knowledge of umbilical cord care (UCC), while the vast majority,
271 mothers (92.5%) demonstrated poor knowledge. Conversely, 235 (80.2%) mothers observed good UCC practices,
while 58 (19.8%) observed poor practices. Predictors of good UCC practice were: health facility delivery, higher
maternal age (>30 years), and tertiary level education. On the other hand, predictors of poor practice of UCC were:
primary education and being a civil servant or student.
Conclusion and recommendations: Knowledge about UCC was significantly poor, but most mothers were practicing
good UCC. Predictors of good UCC practice were: health facility delivery, higher maternal age (>30 years), and tertiary
education. On the other hand, predictors of poor UCC practice were: primary education, and being a civil servant or
student. Integrating simple, umbilical cord care education into routine health education messages at antenatal, natal, and
postnatal care service points will improve knowledge and practice of cord care. Healthcare providers should also give a
hands-on demonstration of proper cord care before mothers are discharged after delivery.