Knowledge of Umbilical Cord Care by Mothers Attending Selected Primary Health Care Centers in Emekuku, Imo State

Abstract

Taking care of the umbilical cord is important for avoiding infections and lowering the risk of death in newborns. Unsafe practices are still common, especially in places with few resources, which leads to high rates of illness and death among newborns. This study assessed the knowledge and practices about umbilical cord care among mothers in Emekuku, Nigeria, to identify deficiencies and suggest feasible solutions. A cross-sectional study was performed, including 162 mothers of infants aged 0–12 weeks, chosen via systematic sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to gather data, and SPSS was used to analyse the data. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. The results show that 79.5% of women knew how to care for the umbilical cord, but only 66.2% could see signs of infection, and only 59.6% always followed the suggested methods. Also, 42.3% said they used traditional substances like herbs or ashes, and 36.8% still used methylated spirit even though the advice had changed. moms who gave birth in healthcare facilities were more likely to follow recommended cord care procedures than moms who gave birth at home (82.5% vs. 47.2%). Socio-economic characteristics, educational attainment, and healthcare accessibility markedly impacted maternal knowledge and compliance (P < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was identified between knowledge levels and practice adherence, highlighting the necessity for focused educational interventions. The study found that people were generally aware of how to care for the umbilical cord, but there were still important gaps in their knowledge and behaviour. It is very important to fill these gaps with focused instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and better access to resources. Combining advice from healthcare providers with community-based programs can lower the number of infections in newborns and improve health outcomes.