Newborn Care Practices and Perceptions among Mothers in Islamabad, Pakistan: A Mixed Method Approach: Newborn Care Practices and Perceptions among Mothers

Aiman Naveed; Tehmina Sultan; Shaheer Ellahi Khan; Mohsin Latif Kiani; Abdul Quddus; Minal Naveed; Abeer Naveed; Iqra Ghazanfar

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v8i10.1242

Authors

Aiman Naveed Department of Public Health, Prime Consulting, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tehmina Sultan Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
Shaheer Ellahi Khan Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
Mohsin Latif Kiani Department of Research Development, National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Islamabad, Pakistan
Abdul Quddus Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
Minal Naveed Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
Abeer Naveed Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
Iqra Ghazanfar Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v8i10.1242

Keywords:

Newborn Care Practices, Neonatal Mortality, Cultural Influences, Maternal Attitudes

Abstract

The levels of neonatal mortality in Pakistan are also among the highest in the world, and the factors that define the practice of newborn care are strong and culturally determined. Objectives: To explain maternal attitude and practice of newborn care in Islamabad, focusing on cultural beliefs and socio-economic factors affecting the health conditions of neonatal care. Methods: Mixed-method design was used, where quantitative data were collected by use of 384 mothers of infants aged 0-6 months on quantitative questionnaires, and qualitative data on 10 in-depth interviews. Data analysis was done through thematic analysis on qualitative results and descriptive and inferential statistics, i.e., ANOVA and chi-square on the quantitative results. Results: Traditional practices, the views of the elders, and old cultures were mostly prevalent in medical advice. The quantitative data showed significant associations between demographic factors, such as maternal age, education, parity, and delivery place, with newborn care practices, i.e., the initiation of breastfeeding, colostrum usage, and skin-to-skin contact. The interviews also revealed that thematic analysis of the interviews pointed to the role of family customs and societal norms in such practices. Conclusions: The evidence taken altogether indicates that there is an immediate necessity to have evidence-based and culturally responsive interventions that are context-specific.

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