Knowledge Regarding Postnatal Care Among Postnatal Mother: A Hospital Based Study

Muna Maharjan,Babita Singh

Background: Becoming a mother is an important stage in every woman’s life. Most different period in women’s life is their growth into parenthood and is precisely postpartum period. The postnatal period is a critical phase in the lives of mothers and newborn babies. Most maternal and infant deaths occur during this time. Yet, this is the most neglected period for the provision of quality care.

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge among postnatal mothers about postnatal care.

 Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was adopted for the study.Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the postnatal mothers. Fifty seven postnatal mothers were interviewed face to face using structured interview schedule in Gynecological/Obstetrical Ward of National Medical College Teaching Hospital, Birgunj. Data were collected using pre-tested structured interview schedule in Bhojpuri version. The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (chi-square).

Findings: Among 57 postnatal mother half of the postnatal mothers, 30 (52.63%) had average level of knowledge regarding postnatal care. Highest knowledge was in the area of breastfeeding and lowest in the areas of family planning. There is still lack of knowledge among mothers regarding postnatal period, postnatal exercise, timing of first bath after birth of baby. There were statistically significant association between religion and knowledge of postnatal mothers (p-value 0.006). Similarly, there was no any statistical significant association of knowledge with others socio demographic variables.

Conclusion: Different types of awareness program are required to improve maternal knowledge on postnatal care.