Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part C (2025)

Background: The period from birth to 28 days of life is referred as the neonatal period. Neonatal period is highly vulnerable and has high risk of mortality at an average global rate of 17/1000. According to the WHO report of 2022, worldwide 2.3 million newborns passed away in their first month of life. Common health issues that neonate may face include infections, hyperthermia, hypothermia, jaundice, noisy breathing etc which might be indication of mild to moderate or severe illness in the newborn. Delay in seeking appropriate medical care is one of the most common reason for neonatal deaths.

Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the impact of maternal teaching on knowledge regarding newborn danger signs among mothers of newborn (0-28) days admitted in NICU and NNU at tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental research approach was used to collect the data from 113 mothers of newborn selected through purposive sampling technique. A self- structured tool was used for collection of pretest knowledge data on 1^st day followed by post test one on 2^nd day and post test two on 5^th day of intervention. Intervention was given using a self-structured mini booklet which was distributed among the participants after the intervention.

Results: The pre-test data revealed that a majority of the mothers (55.76%) had poor knowledge, with a score of 11.67 ± 5.731 (Mean ± Standard Deviation) and post-test data revealed that there was significant improvement in knowledge, with the score increasing to 20.63 ± 4.277 (Mean ± Standard Deviation) in the post-test one and 19.16 ± 3.726 (Mean ± Standard Deviation) in post-test two. It showed that there was a significant difference in knowledge scores across the pre-test and post-test phases (F = 120.27, p<0.001).

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of educational interventions in improving maternal knowledge on newborn danger signs for timely institutional care and treatment of sick newborn, thereby reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality.