Determinants of essential newborn care for institutional births in Bangladesh: Findings from the 2019 MICS Survey
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction In 2021, 2.3 million newborns died globally during the neonatal period. Essential newborn care (ENC) is designed to lower neonatal morbidity and mortality. The current study investigated the association between sociodemographic, antenatal, and delivery care factors that may impact ENC practices among newborns in Bangladesh.Methods The current study utilized publicly available nationally representative data. Women with birth history during past 2 years (n=404) were considered. A logistic regression model was developed with significant variables identified by chi-square tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant (α=0.05).Results Most were <20 years old (59.7%), had secondary level education (50.7%), and were from the poorest wealth quintile (30.4%). The prevalence of proper ENC was 14.1%. In 94.8% of cases, instruments were utilized to cut the umbilical cord, with 67.1% showing no application of substances to the cord stump. Following birth, 98.0% of newborns underwent drying, while 72.8% were immediately wrapped. Delayed bathing was observed in 32.4% cases, with 89.9% initiating breastfeeding. Proper ENC was associated with assistance by SBA (p=0.004) and residence (p=0.047). Higher odds of proper ENC were found among those who received assistance by SBA (AOR: 2.34; p = 0.005; 95% CI: 1.29-4.21).Conclusion Proper ENC is not widely practiced in Bangladesh. However, assistance by SBA during birth can help to improve the scenario. Targeted health promotional activities and policies, especially assistance by SBA and raising awareness among mothers can help to improve ENC practice.
Source: Global Pediatrics
Institution: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,120
OpenAlex ID: W4407121985