Effect of Instructional Guidelines on Mothers' Knowledge and Practice regarding Neonatal Care

Abd Elmoniem Syan, Shadia; Magdi Samuel, Vivian; Blesilda B. Llagunox, Maria; Sayed Abdalla, Sara

Effect of Instructional Guidelines on Mothers' Knowledge and Practice regarding Neonatal Care

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Sohag University

² Nursing Education Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt. Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Alhas, Saudi Arabia

³ Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Alhasa Saudi Arabia

⁴ Child and Adolescents health nursing, British University in Egypt

Abstract

Background: The newborn’s mother is the key person who takes care and fulfills the needs of the
newborn either physiological or psychological. Therefore, it is essential to apply instructional
programs that appreciate mothers to have the correct knowledge, home care practice, and attitude to
raise their healthy children. Aim: To evaluate the effect of instructional guidelines on mothers'
knowledge and practice regarding neonatal care. Subjects and Methods: Design: A quasi
experimental research design was used. Setting: The study was conducted in maternal and child
health centers at Sohag City (Dar E Salam Abdallah health center). Sample: Α Purposive sample of
150 neonates and their mothers. Tool for data collection: A structured interview questionnaire,
which included three parts; (I) demographic characteristics; (II) mothers’ knowledge and (III) the
reported practice (pre/post) regarding breast feeding, thermal control, skin care, and cord care.
Results: The main source of information for mothers was their family. Ther was an improvement of
mothers’ knowledge regarding all aspects of care of their neonates before and after implementation
of instructional guidelines. there was a statistically significant difference in mothers’ reported care
practices of their neonates before and after implementation of the instructional guidelines regarding
breastfeeding, kept warm practice, skin care practice, and cord care practices. Conclusion:
Instructional guidelines had а positive effect on mothers' knowledge and reported practice regarding
neonatal care. Recommendations: Instructional guidelines regarding neonatal care should be
educated to mothers during antenatal period

Keywords