Cord care practices and use of chlorhexidine gel among mothers in a hospital in southwest Nigeria

Background/Aims Using chlorhexidine gel for neonates during the first week of life is an important strategy for preventing sepsis and achieving optimal cord care. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practice of cord care and the use of chlorhexidine gel among mothers attending a hospital in southwest Nigeria. Methods A descriptive survey was carried out, using random sampling to select 184 mothers attending antenatal and postnatal clinics in Lagos State General Hospital, Shomolu, Lagos. Associations between variables were tested using Pearson's correlation at 0.05 significance. Results Almost two-thirds (64.1%) of participants understood that the soiled umbilical stump should not be cleaned with water and over half (52.7%) disagreed with the use of substances such as methylated spirit, toothpaste and hot water for cord care. In practice, 97.8% cleaned the baby's umbilical cord and 84.8% cleaned the umbilical stump with chlorhexidine gel. Almost a fifth (19%) of participants applied other substances such as alcohol (methylated spirit), herbal preparations or hot water to the umbilical cord. A statistically significant association was found between knowledge and practice of cord care (P<0.001). Conclusions This study suggests that the use of chlorhexidine gel in cord care among mothers has improved compared to previous studies. More studies are needed to confirm this finding. Some participants used unhealthy cord care practices, including herbal preparations and hot water, implying a need for further interventions to address misconceptions.