Assessment of Newborn Care Practices Among Mothers in Cross River State, South South Nigeria

Appropriate newborn care practices in the immediate postnatal period are essential for reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. This cross-sectional descriptive study assesses newborn care practices among mothers of infants aged zero to two months in Cross River State, South South Nigeria. A total of 305 mother-infant pairs were recruited from postnatal clinics and maternity wards in Calabar Municipality and Odukpani local government areas. A structured questionnaire assessed cord care practices, thermal management, skin care, early initiation of breastfeeding, immunisation at birth, and danger sign recognition. Findings revealed that early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of delivery was practised by 61.3% of mothers. However, 34.8% applied harmful substances to the umbilical cord stump, including herbal preparations and raw palm oil, increasing infection risk. Dry cord care was practised by only 42.6% of respondents. Adequate thermal management strategies such as skin-to-skin contact were reported by 54.1% of mothers. Neonatal vitamin K administration was documented in 47.9% of hospital-delivered infants. Knowledge of neonatal danger signs was inadequate in 65.2% of respondents. Education level and facility delivery were positively associated with appropriate newborn care. The study recommends routine counselling on evidence-based newborn care during antenatal and postnatal contacts, with special attention to harmful cultural practices. Keywords: newborn care, cord care, neonatal practices, Cross River State, South South Nigeria.