Identifying barriers to essential newborn care practices: An assessment among healthcare providers in rural northern Tanzania

Sjoerd B. Maat, Maud M.I Bekedam, Emmanuel B. Bache, Hanna K. de Jong, Bwire M. Chirangi, Martin P. Grobusch

Abstract

Neonatal mortality remains a major global health burden, with sub-Saharan Africa most affected. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of Essential Newborn Care (ENC) among healthcare providers in rural northern Tanzania and identified barriers to effective ENC. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires among providers involved in obstetric or immediate neonatal care in Rorya district. Of the 67/68 respondents (98.5% response rate), 35/67 (52%) demonstrated satisfactory knowledge and 45/67 (67%) satisfactory practice. Being a clinical officer or untrained in ENC was significantly associated with unsatisfactory practice. Key deficiencies included improper suctioning during resuscitation, delayed cord clamping and bathing, untimely administration of medicines, and lack of skin-to-skin contact. Barriers to good ENC practice included inadequate provider training, supply shortages, and resistance from mothers. To improve neonatal outcomes in similar contexts, targeted ENC training, particularly for clinical officers and untrained staff in non-hospital settings, are urgently needed.

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References

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