Contribution to the improvement of essential care practices for newborns in the community and university center (CSCom U) of Konobougou

Abstract

Introduction: The immediate postnatal period is a fundamental stage of physiological and psychological adaptation for the newborn. Most difficulties in adapting to extra-uterine life are predictable and should be anticipated. The aim of this study was to contribute to the improvement of essential care practices for newborns in the health community and university center (CSCom-U) of Konobougou. Material and methods: This was an action research study which took place in the maternity unit of the CSCom U of Konobougou in the health district of Barouéli / Region of Ségou from December 01, 2020 to January 31, 2021. We included in this study 32 mothers and 8 health workers. Results: Midwives were more represented with 62.5% followed by midwives with 25%. Before the survey all materials were available except the nasogastric tube. Following our recommendation, the team decided to procure one, which increased the availability of materials to 100%. At the initial phase of the study, 25% of the mothers surveyed had received instructions on umbilical cord care, following the upgrading of providers we obtained an increase of 75% in the final phase. Conclusion: Essential newborn care remained insufficient, due to a lack of initial and / or continuing training on the one hand and staff instability on the other. We therefore recommended setting up a continuous training and monitoring-evaluation program for service providers.

Keywords: Essential newborn care, community and university center, Konobougou, Mali