Impact of behavior change communication among pregnant women regarding neonatal care.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the behavior of pregnant women regarding neonatal care. Also to implement and assess impact of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) package among pregnant women regarding neonatal care. METHODS: This community based intervention study was conducted in field practice area of Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JNMCH), Aligarh Muslim University (A.M.U), Aligarh (UP), India. Two hundred pregnant women were included. Epi Info version 3.5.1. Percentages, and Chi square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Due to implementation of BCC package, institutional deliveries improved (RR = 2.47, P < 0.05), delivery practices significantly increased (RR = 2.47, P < 0.05). There was significant difference regarding breastfeeding practices on 7th and 28th d of delivery. More (80 %) deliveries were conducted in warm room (RR = 1.87, p < 0.05), bathing to the baby was delayed (RR = 0.81, p < 0.05) and decreased, vigorous removal of vernix caseosa was observed (RR = 0.45, p < 0.05). Correct knowledge about danger signs and physiological conditions in newborns were increased (RR = 2.5.0, p < 0.05 for cold to touch, RR = 1.22, p < 0.05 for peeling of skin). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant impact of BCC package on the behavior of pregnant women regarding neonatal care.