Knowledge and Practice of Nurses on the Use of Chlorhexidine Gel in Prevention of Neonatal Cord Infection in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (Published)
Neonatal cord infection remains a significant contributor to neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries, with umbilical cord care practices playing a central preventive role. Chlorhexidine gel is a World Health Organization-recommended intervention for cord care in high-risk settings, yet its uptake among nursing professionals in Nigeria remains suboptimal. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of nurses regarding the use of chlorhexidine gel in neonatal cord infection prevention at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 70 neonatal nurses selected by purposive sampling from five wards. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied at a 5% significance level.All respondents were female (100%), with the majority aged 36–45 years (27.1%) and holding a Bachelor of Nursing Science qualification (74.3%). The majority (71.4%) demonstrated good knowledge of chlorhexidine gel use, while only 47.1% demonstrated good practice. There was no significant association between knowledge or practice and most socio-demographic variables (p > 0.05), except for a borderline association between age and practice (p = 0.05). A statistically significant association was found between knowledge and practice (χ² = 3.583; p = 0.048). Despite adequate knowledge levels, practice of chlorhexidine gel use remains poor among nurses at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Hospital administration should enforce clinical protocols, strengthen training programmes, and ensure consistent supply of chlorhexidine gel to bridge the knowledge-practice gap.
Keywords: Neonatal cord infection, Nursing practice, Omphalitis, Umbilical cord care, chlorhexidine gel
Umbilical Cord Care and Management Outcome among Mothers in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State – Nigeria. (Published)
In developing countries umbilical cord infections constitute a major cause of neonatal morbidity and pose significant risk for mortality Methods of caring for the umbilical cord vary greatly between communities depending on their cultural and religious beliefs, level of education and resources. The risk of cord infection is increased by unhygienic cutting of the cord and application of unclean substances. This study examined the cord management practices and management outcome among mothers in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional community based study was conducted in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Calabar South is one of the two Local Government Areas that make up Calabar Metropolis with 11 wards. Women of child bearing age were used as population of the study. A sample size of 451 mothers was selected using the snowball method. A structured pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 18.0 at 95% confidence interval. Results: Whereas most of the respondents 224(49.8%) used methylated spirit in cleaning the cord, others used dettol 88(19.6%), saliva and salt 44(9.8%), herbal preparations 44(9.8%). Most of the respondents 314 (69.8%) applied unhygienic substances at the base of the stump after cleaning the cord. Main reason for choice of materials includes to wade off evil spirits and hasten cord separation 270(55.9%). The outcome of cord management showed that majority of the umbilical cords were infected 338 (75.1 %.). Conclusion: Majority of the respondents applied harmful and contaminated materials/ substances to the umbilical cord. Good umbilical cord care practices can lead to improved newborn care while poor umbilical cord care practices may result in neonatal morbidity and mortality. Improving the standard of umbilical cord care among mothers can largely be achieved through health education and follow up visits by nurses after discharge from the health facility.
Keywords: Calabar, Management outcome, Mothers, Nigeria, Umbilical cord care
Umbilical Cord Care and Management Outcome among Mothers in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State – Nigeria (Published)
In developing countries umbilical cord infections constitute a major cause of neonatal morbidity and pose significant risk for mortality Methods of caring for the umbilical cord vary greatly between communities depending on their cultural and religious beliefs, level of education and resources. The risk of cord infection is increased by unhygienic cutting of the cord and application of unclean substances. This study examined the cord management practices and management outcome among mothers in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional community-based study was conducted in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Calabar South is one of the two Local Government Areas that make up Calabar Metropolis with 11 wards. Women of child bearing age were used as population of the study. A sample size of 451 mothers was selected using the snowball method. A structured pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 18.0 at 95% confidence interval. Results: Whereas most of the respondents 224(49.8%) used methylated spirit in cleaning the cord, others used dettol 88(19.6%), saliva and salt 44(9.8%), herbal preparations 44(9.8%). Most of the respondents 314 (69.8%) applied unhygienic substances at the base of the stump after cleaning the cord. Main reason for choice of materials includes to wade off evil spirits and hasten cord separation 270(55.9%). The outcome of cord management showed that majority of the umbilical cords were infected 338 (75.1 %.). Conclusion: Majority of the respondents applied harmful and contaminated materials/ substances to the umbilical cord. Good umbilical cord care practices can lead to improved newborn care while poor umbilical cord care practices may result in neonatal morbidity and mortality. Improving the standard of umbilical cord care among mothers can largely be achieved through health education and follow up visits by nurses after discharge from the health facility.
Keywords: Calabar, Management outcome, Mothers, Nigeria, Umbilical cord care