Improving Mother’s Care of Low Birth Weight Infants at Home

Abstract

Low birth weight infants are a special group that needs attention and care. However, saving their life is necessary in order to improve infant health and reduce infant mortality rate. The study aims to improve of mother’s care of low birth weight infants at home. Research design: A quasi- experimental design were used in this study. Setting: This study were conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Ain Shams Maternity Hospital and at mother’s home. Sampling: A purposeful sample were used in this study, 20% of total admitted rate equal to 122 of mothers of low birth weight infant and were chosen randomly according to criteria. Tools: Two tool were used for data collection, An interviewing questionnaire for mothers to assess their socio demographic characteristics and their knowledge, checklist to assess mothers’ practices, and Observational checklist for assessing home environment. Results: There was a highly statistically significance differences between the mother’s socio-demographic and their knowledge and practice, highly statistically significance positive correlation between mothers and their practice and knowledge. Recommendation: the study recommended to conduct an educational program for the high risk pregnant women in the follow up clinic to raise their knowledge and practices related to their low birth weight infant.