Home based new born care practices among tribal population in Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu, India

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity leading to 2.7 million neonatal deaths annually worldwide. Around 26.14% of women in Tamil Nadu are illiterates, lacking personal, financial independence and empowerment that hinders the good home-based care of the newborn. Tribal population have their own cultural practices lacking scientific evidence like harmful practices. Hence this study was conducted to assess the home-based newborn care practices among tribal population.

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 tribal mothers with children age < two months in Nilakottai, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu using multistage random sampling and validated semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and Chi square test (P < 0.05 was statistically significant).

The safe new born care practice in the study was about 21.3% (CI: 21.3 ± 3.78). Age ranged from 20 to 32 years. About 35.8% of mothers had completed high school, joint families were 65.3%. Regarding harmful practices, 47.1% had applied kajal dye to eyes, 18.7% blew air in nose and 26.4% instilled oil in ears of newborn. Low level of awareness was observed on warmth, skin, umbilical care. Prelacteal feeding was 61%. Role of health personnel was observed for creating awareness among those who had practiced safe newborn care.

Health education and behavior change communication is the need which can improve the new born care practices among mothers and family members among the tribal population.