AUTHOR=Tuglo Lawrence Sena , Agyekum Benjamin Adu , Darku Edward Delali , Alida Natabou Morine , Seelo Kitso Palesa , Magaga Khauhelo , Chiambiro Kudzai Victor , Tuglo Jessica Dzigbordi , Sakre Sylvia Mawusinu , Otoo Desmond Dzidzornu , Gmanyami Jonathan Mawutor TITLE=Sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors associated with maternal knowledge and practice of infection prevention in neonates in North Dayi District, Ghana JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health VOLUME=11 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1062268 DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2023.1062268 ISSN=2296-2565 ABSTRACT=Background

Neonates are at a greater risk of infection, but data on the maternal knowledge and practice of infection prevention in neonates (IPNs) are scarce. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors associated with maternal knowledge and practice of IPNs in North Dayi District, Ghana.

Methods

This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted among 612 mothers. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection adapted from previous studies and the IPN guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Bivariable analyses were performed to determine the association between maternal knowledge and practice of IPNs and sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive health factors.

Results

Analysis showed that less than one-fifth of the mothers (12.9%) had poor knowledge of IPNs, while 21.6% incorrectly practiced it. Mothers who had poor knowledge of IPNs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 13.33 (95% CI: 7.69–23.26), p < 0.001] were more likely to have a poor practice of IPNs.

Conclusion

About one-fifth of the mothers in this study had poor knowledge or poor practice of IPNs according to the WHO’s guidelines. The Health Directorate of North Dayi District should explore the risk factors associated with poor IPNs and increase successful guideline adherence with intensified educational outreach and campaigns.