RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRENATAL CARE AND NEWBORN CARE PRACTICES IN THE EAST GONJA DISTRICT OF GHANA

Abstract

Prenatal care provides the opportunity for early detection of pregnancy related problems for treatment to improve pregnancy outcomes. However, our knowledge is incomplete about the degree to which the content and delivery of prenatal care are associated with postpartum care practices such as infant feeding behaviors and newborn care. This study aimed at assessing the relationship between prenatal care and the adoption of newborn care practices including child feeding practices among postpartum women. A cross sectional study was conducted in 30 communities involving 422 postpartum women. The communities were selected usmg probability proportionate to size whilst systematic sampling procedure was used in selecting the respondents. The study found that 62.3% of the respondents made less than 4 ANC visits. About 90.8% initiated A C in the second trimester. Breastfeeding was initiated in the first 30 minutes after delivery by 91.5% of the respondents. About 94% of the respondents did not practice prelacteal feeding whilst 91.5% fed their babies with colostrum. Women who were of low educational level were more likely to provide good neonatal feeding [AOR 3.03; 95% CI (1.39 - 6.60)], than those with high education level. Religion was also found to be a determinant of neonatal feeding. Mothers of Islamic faith were 4.8 times more likely to provide adequate neonatal feeding than Christians and traditionalist (AOR = 4.84, CI: 1.96- 11.99), P = 0.001. Knowledge of danger signs was also a significant determinant of provision of adequate neonatal feeding practices. The higher the knowledge level the higher the likelihood of providing adequate neonatal care (AOR = 2.72, CI: 1.72- 4.30), P < 0.001. Women of high status (high household wealth index) were more likely of providing good feeding practices. 0 association was found between adequate ANC attendance and two main components of new born care practices. There is also a low practice of prelacteal feeding among the respondents which is very commendable.