Saturday, February 2, 2013

Effect of Community-Based Behavior Change Communication on Delivery and Newborn health care practices in a resettlement colony of Delhi


Background: Neonatal morbidity and mortaliy in India continues to be high. Among other reasons, newborn care practices are major contributors for such high rates.
Objective: To assess the effect of behavior change communication (BCC) package among pregnant women regarding neonatal care. 
Material and methods: Semi-structured and pre-tested schedule was used to interview 200 multigravidas on various aspects of neonatal care. Based on the preliminary data BCC package was designed and implemented in intervention block in the community. Follow up was done to find out change in their behaviour.
Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using Epi – info and Fischer exact test and chi-square test were applied in the baseline data. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.  Effect of the BCC package is given in terms of relative risk.
Results: BCC package increased 1.76 times higher number of deliveries conducted by trained dais in intervention group. There was significant improvement in using sterile cord tie (p=0.01), applied nothing to the cord and giving bath to their baby within 6 hour of birth (p=0.02) in intervention group as compared to non-intervention group. Significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to breast-feeding practices of baby. Harmful practices were reduced in intervention group. Significant improvement was found in intervention group as compared to non-intervention group with regards to knowledge of danger signals, physiological variants, management of breastfeeding related problems, and awareness of skin-to-skin technique for the management of hypothermic baby. 
Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge and adverse practices regarding neonatal care among mothers in study areas were found. BCC package had favorable impact on behavior of mothers for neonatal care in intervention group. 



Keyword: Neonatal Health Care, Behavior Change Communication, Community Intervention, Breastfeeding, Hypothermia. http://www.ijcm.org.in/text.asp?2013/38/1/42/106627 

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