TITLE:
Cord Care Practices and Omphalitis among Neonates Aged 3 - 28 Days at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya
AUTHORS:
Lucy Kinanu, Eunice Odhiambo, James Mwaura, Michael Habtu
KEYWORDS:
Cord Care, Neonates, Omphalitis, Practices
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.4 No.1,
January
7,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Omphalitis (umbilical cord infection) among new-borns is common and a major cause of neonatal deaths in developing countries. Annually about 4 million neonatal deaths occur around the world; of these, more than 30% are caused by infections. Majority of these infections start as umbilical cord infection. Objective: The aim of the present study was to establish cord care practices associated with omphalitis among neonates aged 3-28 days at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study was employed among 178 mothers with neonates of 3-28 days. Participants were selected systematically and data was collected on new-born cord care practices. Omphalitis was defined as pus discharge, redness with or without pus and swelling of umbilical cord. Pearson’s chi-square test (P