Knowledge of Mothers regarding Premature Baby Care in Mosul city

Background: Premature babies, those born very early, often have complicated and medical problems. Typically, complications of prematurity are varying. The premature baby has a higher risk of complications. The baby will likely need a more extended hospital stay in a special nursery unit at the hospital, depending on how much care requires. Mother is faced with numerous challenges by experiencing a premature birth; therefore, knowing about the mother's efforts and knowledge regarding premature infants. The present study was carried out to explore the mothers' knowledge regarding prematurely born infants. Patients and methods: This survey was conducted amongst 100 mothers visiting the Al Khansa Hospital and Ibn Al-Atheer, both hospital, specialized in the maternity and pediatric. The collection of data was done for the period of 15th November 2019 until 28th February 2020. A questionnaire form consisting of multiple-choice questions about knowledge about infant premature health was distributed to the volunteer mothers. The data was compiled and analyzed statistically. A Chi-Squair was used in data analysis resulted. Results: Inthe present study, 53% of mothers scored 50 or less (poor knowledge), showing inadequate knowledge about infant premature health. Mothers knowledge about infant premature health showed a significant positive correlation with her education, the order of childbirth, age at childbirth, and socioeconomic status (P-value<0.001). Conclusion: The present study concludes that mothers have inadequate knowledge of premature infant health. Factors like mother's education, birth order of the child, mother's age at childbirth, and her socioeconomic status are related to the mother's knowledge Keywords: mother knowledge, care of the baby, premature baby