Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part D (2025)

Background: Neonatal danger signs are signs of serious illnesses that affect neonates during their first twenty-eight (28) days of life. The main cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality is failure to early recognition of newborn danger signs which refer to the need for prompt medical intervention.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and health seeking behavior on neonatal danger signs among mothers attending primary health care (PHC) centers in Basra Governorate center.

Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Basra during December 2024. The study involved a total of 186 mothers who attend PHC centers in Basra. Mothers knowledge about NDSs and measures taken if these signs occur were assessed through direct questionnaire. Frequencies, proportions and p-value were used in testing associations between variables

Results: 95% of participants had good knowledge about NDSs. Convulsion 94.6% and skin color changes 92.4% were mostly recognized. The lowest recognition rate was for lethargy 82.8% and tachypnea 80.6%. most of the mothers obtained their information about NDSs from health workers and relatives. 94% of mothers said that they sought care from health institutes if they had a sick neonate present with NDS and 84% of them recommend the consultation within hours.

Conclusions: Mothers’ knowledge about neonatal danger signs in Basra Governorate Center is good. Further studies of the same nature to determine the experience of mothers about NDSs are recommended, involving mothers from different sites specially rural areas of Basra for more details information.