Exploring preventive practices of newborn hypothermia among post-natal mothers in selected public health facilities in Kilimanjaro region: Qualitative descriptive study.

Abstract

Newborn hypothermia is a condition that affects newborn survival if measures are not taken to prevent heat loss, especially in the first 28 days of life. Various studies have been conducted in this area, but there is a lack of information about how post-natal mothers specifically keep their newborns warm in a hospital setting. This study explored the preventive practices for newborn hypothermia among post-natal mothers in selected health facilities in the Kilimanjaro region. A qualitative descriptive study with a constructivist approach was conducted from April to June 2024 in the Kilimanjaro region involving 12 post-natal mothers. Participants were selected purposively at the post-natal ward. In-depth interview, guided by a semi-structured interview guide developed by researchers together with an audio recorder, was used to collect information from the participants. Data was analyzed using conventional thematic analysis. Twelve (12) semi-structured interviews were conducted with post-natal mothers. Four (4) themes and eight sub-themes emerged; Body covering measures (Covering baby with multiple coats of cottoned materials, Preparing baby clothing before delivery), diversity of room temperature controlling measures(Maintaining indoor heating to warm the room and maintaining indoor lighting to increase room temperature), skin-to-skin and feeding practices(Keep a baby in physical contact with the mother for warmth and Breastfeeding practices and body care measures(Massaging the neonates with oil to maintain skin warmth and bathing practices). Keeping the baby appropriately covered, ensuring the room is warm, maintaining continuous skin-to-skin contact with timely breastfeeding, and delaying bathing were commonly practiced reports by participants and may inform educational interventions or future quantitative studies evaluating their effectiveness.