A Quasi-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Shishu Shiksha Prashikshan (SSP) on Knowledge and Practices Regarding Newborn Care Among Postnatal Mothers in Selected Hospital, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Newborn care is a critical aspect of maternal and child health and strongly influences neonatal survival. India, where neonatal mortality remains high, strengthening the knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers is essential for improving newborn outcomes.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Krishna Hospital, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the effectiveness of Shishu Shiksha Prashikshan (SSP) on the knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers regarding newborn care. Sixty postnatal mothers were selected and assigned to experimental and control groups (30 each) by the lottery method. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a self-reported practice checklist, and analyzed with SPSS.

Results: Baseline assessment showed inadequate knowledge and practices among participants. In the experimental group, knowledge improved from 53.3% poor and 46.7% average in the pre-test to 100% good in the post-test. Newborn care practices also improved from 93.3% average and 6.7% good before the intervention to 90% good and 10% average afterward. The control group showed no meaningful change in either knowledge or practices.

Conclusion: Shishu Shiksha Prashikshan was an effective educational intervention for improving the knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers regarding newborn care. Integrating such structured teaching programs into routine postnatal services may enhance maternal competence, promote safer newborn care practices, and contribute to reduced neonatal morbidity and mortality. The findings support the need for nurse-led counseling and family-centered education during the postnatal period to reinforce essential newborn care behaviors and sustain healthy practices at home in resource-limited settings across India and beyond.