TITLE:
Practices of Maternity’s Care Providers in the Municipality of Kozah 1 Regarding the Administration of Vitamin K1, Eye Care, and Umbilical Cord Care in Immediate Postpartum Newborns
AUTHORS:
Ouro-Bagna Tchagbele, Kokou Agbékogni Réné Segbedji, Missoki Azanledji Boume, Sollim Myriam Talboussouma, Kadji Kombieni, Fidèle Comlan Dossou, Alouki Essossinam Constantine Adom, Flore Djath, Palabié Lare, Pouhawè Zato, Koffi Edem Djadou, Adama Dodzi Gbadoe, Komi Deladem Azoumah
KEYWORDS:
Essential Care, Newborn, Immediate Postpartum, Maternity, Togo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.13 No.4,
July
14,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Neonatal mortality is a real public health problem
in the world and particularly in countries with limited resources. Essential
care remains an effective means of reducing this mortality. Objective: To evaluate the practice of administering of vitamin K1, ocular and cord care
in maternity wards in the Kozah 1 municipality. Method: This is a
cross-sectional study conducted from March 1st to June 30th, 2022 in all
maternity wards in the Kozah 1 municipality. Socioprofessional aspects of
providers and those related to the administration of vitamin K1, ocular and
cord care were studied. Results: Eighty-five (85) maternity providers
were included in this study. The average age of the providers was 36.2 years
with extremes of 21 and 55 years. Providers were midwives (51.8%), childbirth
attendants (35.3%), and matrons (12.9%). The average length of practice was 9.5
years with extremes of 1 and 28 years. For three out of four providers (75.3%),
the postpartum period was defined as a period of 02 hours following delivery.
The importance of cord, ocular care, and administration of vitamin K1 in
postpartum was known respectively by 84.7%, 98.8%, and 92.9% of the providers.
Chlorhexidine gel was used by 81.2% of providers for umbilical cord care. For
ocular disinfection, more than half of the providers (52.9%) reported using
half-diluted povidone iodine. No center had displayed care protocol. Conclusion: This study highlighted the level of knowledge and practice of three essential
postpartum care practices. The products used for the different care practices
are consistent with recommendations but vary according to the care providers.