RESUMO
Objectives: Evidence-based newborn care practice recommended by WHO reduces neonatal mortality and improves neonatal outcomes. This study assessed the knowledge, practice-associated factors and predictors of essential newborn care among post-natal mothers in two primary health care centres in Southeast Nigeria. Design: A cross-sectional total population study. Setting: Two primary health care centres in two local government areas in Southeast Nigeria. Participants: Post-natal mothers who attended immunisation clinics. Data collection: Quantitative data was collected over four weeks from 400 post-natal mothers. Chi-square test and logistic regression were carried out for associations and predictors, respectively. Analytical decisions were taken at p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Outcome measures: Knowledge, attitude, the practice of essential newborn care; predictors of practice. Findings: Mean age of participants was 28.68±5.4. The majority (78.9%) had been counselled on newborn care and 85.2% delivered in a formal health facility. The majority (77%) had good knowledge of essential newborn care and practices (61%). More than half (62.3%) reported support from health workers. Predictors of good practice were older age (AOR: 0.435; 95%CI: 0.212-0.893), being married (AOR: 8.095; 95%CI: 3.732-17.558), living in the urban area (AOR: 0.478; 0.291-0.784), and having good knowledge of newborn care (AOR: 0.239; CI: 0.139-0.411). Conclusions: Good practice was identified in the majority. Being married, older, living in urban areas and having good knowledge were predictors of good practice. Health facility delivery, continuous support by health workers and post-natal education to mothers in rural areas are recommended policy priorities. Funding: None declared.