Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of newborn umbilical cord care among healthcare workers and non-health care workers.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed at the department of pediatrics, Abbottabad International Medical College and Hospital, Abbottabad, from July 2021 to December 2021. A total of 143 participants (either healthcare workers or non-healthcare women) aged between 18 to 50 years were interviewed. Information regarding age, number of children, educational status and place of last delivery were noted. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of umbilical cord care was asked from all study participants.
Result: Out of 143 participants, 130 (90.9%) were females. Mean age was 29.68±7.59 years and 49 (34.3%) participants were illiterate. Importance of umbilical cord care was realized by 85 (59.4%) participants. Good knowledge, practice and attitude of umbilical cord care was recorded in 16 (11.2%) participants. Among participants with good level of umbilical cord care knowledge, attitude and practice, educational status was significantly better (p=0.012), profession as nurse (p=0.046) and were healthcare worker mothers (p=0.0291).
Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and practice of umbilical cord care was found to be poor in most study participants. Poor educational status and being non-healthcare worker were significantly associated with poor knowledge, attitude, and practice of umbilical cord care.

Key words: Healthcare worker, methylated spirit, place of delivery, umbilical cord.