AbstractIntroduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is the global indicator of public health and is the most important determinant for neonatal and infant survival. Apart from Essential Newborn care, as mentioned in Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) guidelines, mothers of these babies need to be aware of their special needs.Therefore, this study was conceived, to assess knowledge of mothers regarding LBW care at home. Objective: To assess knowledge regarding the readiness of mothers for home-based care of LBW babies with respect to Providing warmth, Breastfeeding, Prevention from infection, Immunization, Kangaroo Mother Care, Supplementation and Assessing the Dangersigns. Methodology: A cross-sectional, analytical, Directive open-ended questionnaire-based study over three months duration in 1498 Postnatal Mothers admitted in tertiary care institute. Questionnaire was framed and collected data was analyzed with the help of IBM-SPSS version 2016. Results & Conclusion: Considering the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria, 1498 mothers completed the questionnaire. Awareness with respect to “Providing warmth” 24.64%, “Breastfeeding” 19.02%, “Prevention from infection” 17.66%, “Immunization” 59.39%, “Kangaroo Mother Care” 18.35%, “LBW Supplementation” 20.66%, and that about the Danger signs was 10.98%. This awareness was low irrespective of Literacy, Age of Mother, Parity, Rural or Urban Status and multiple ANC Visits. HBNC programs involving community participation must insist on problems of LBW and prepare mothers for the same.
Keywords: Low Birth Weight; Readiness; Home Based Care; Newborn