Awareness, Attitude and Use of Chlorhexidine Gel for Cord Care in a Well-Baby Clinic in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: Neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria is high and sepsis is a significant contributor. The World Health Organization recommends the use of 7.1% chlorhexidine gel for cord care to prevent neonatal sepsis and mortality. Aim: The study aimed to assess the awareness, attitude and use of chlorhexidine gel for cord care among mothers in Port Harcourt. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the well-baby clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital for 3 months. A research proforma with questions to assess awareness, attitude and use of chlorhexidine gel for cord care practices among the participants was used to collect data and analyzed with SPSS version 23. A score of 70% or more was taken as benchmark for good awareness, attitude and use. Result: A total of 199 mothers participated in the study, 126(63.3%) had heard of chlorhexidine gel, mostly from antenatal clinics. Thirty (23.8%) knew that it prevents neonatal infections, 74(58.7%) perceived it was effective, but only 19(9.6%) used it. About a third of the mothers had good awareness and attitude towards the use of chlorhexidine gel but only 18(9%) used it correctly. Mothers with tertiary level of education significantly had good attitude towards its use and poor knowledge correlated significantly with poor use, P < 0.05. Conclusion: The level of awareness, attitude and use of CHX in cord care practices in Port Harcourt is poor. There is an urgent need to educate mothers on the proper use and benefits of chlorhexidine gel in cord care practices. Key words: Chlorhexidine gel, Cord Care, Awareness, Attitude, Use, Port Harcourt.