Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Background: Premature newborns (born before 32 weeks, excluding extremely preterm babies) are at risk for short- and long-term issues, including impairments and growth and mental development obstacles. Preterm babies have fluctuating temperatures, breathing problems, and feeding issues, making them challenging to care for. The study aimed to determine if structured health education improved mothers' understanding of premature baby care at home.
Objectives:
Evaluate mothers' knowledge of premature baby home care.
Evaluate the impact of structured health education on mothers' understanding of premature newborn care.
Find the association between mothers' home care knowledge and demographic characteristics.
Material & Method: This study used a quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design in Krishna hospital, Karad. It includes 30 premature baby mothers selected using purposive sampling. Using a structured interview schedule, data was collected, structured health education was provided, and pre- and post-test knowledge scores were assessed.
Result: Maximum mothers had average pre-test knowledge, the survey found. Post-test results for mothers were high. Mean post-test score was 26.46 with an SD of + 1.97, considerably higher than pre-test score of 11.96 with an SD of + 2.72. The t-test value was 24.07 and p-value was 0.05, which is significant. There was no connection between mother's home care knowledge and demographic characteristics.
Conclusion: After health education, moms' understanding of home care for premature babies improved, which can reduce morbidity and mortality rates.
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