Knowledge On Neonatal Danger Signs And Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Gave Birth In The Last One Year Prior To This Study In Debre Markos Town, East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia 2017: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study.

Abstract Abstract Background: Neonatal mortality is a concern for global population especially in developing countries. The majority of neonatal mortality occurs at home where only few families recognize key danger signs of neonatal illness. Thus, we assessed the knowledge on neonatal danger signs of illness and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last one year prior to this study in Debre Markos town, East Gojjam, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 521 mothers. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants and interviewed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were entered to Epi Info and exported to SPSS for analysis. Variables in binary logistic regression with a P value <0.2 were fitted to multivariable logistic regression. Significant variables were declared at 95% CI and a P value <0.05. Results: A total 473 participants were interviewed by making a response of 91.0%. The proportion of knowledgeable mothers was found to be 26.2% (95% CI 22.2, 30.4). Mother’s secondary and tertiary education(AOR=3.64, 95% CI 1.14, 11.61 and AOR=3.80, 95% CI 1.25, 11.56), husband’s secondary and tertiary education(AOR=4.22, 95% CI 1.53, 11.60 and AOR=4.34, 95% CI 1.52, 12.37) respectively, antenatal care attendance(AOR = 3.54, 95% CI 1.62, 7.75), postnatal care attendance(AOR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.13, 5.14), getting prepared for birth(AOR =2.43, 95% CI 1.20, 4.89) and access for television(AOR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.01, 4.21) were found to be positively associated with being knowledgeable on neonatal danger signs. Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge on neonatal danger signs was low. The finding showed that, intervention modalities to increase parental education, both antenatal and postnatal care attendance, mothers’ preparedness for birth and advocating the use of television might be helpful to improve mothers’ knowledge on neonatal danger signs. Key words: Neonatal Danger Signs, Mothers’ Knowledge, East Gojjam, Ethiopia