Effectiveness of Nurse led structured teaching programme on knowledge and practice of postnatal mothers on low birth weight care

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) in infants is a critical issue worldwide. If the issue is not recognized early, it can lead to high mortality and morbidity rates. Mothers and caregivers of LBW newborns holds a great responsibility and need appropriate information and expertise in caring for the LBW newborns. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Nurse led structured teaching program (NLSTP) on the knowledge and practice of mothers of LBW infants. Methods: A quantitative pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test research study was conducted. A sample of 30 postnatal mothers of LBW babies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. The knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers on the care of LBW babies was tested using a structured interview schedule and a checklist before the administration of NLSTP. Thereafter, the NLSTP was conducted using an educational booklet. After the NLSTP, the knowledge and practice were assessed on the 7th day. Results: The findings of the study reflected poor knowledge and practice scores before the intervention in the pre-test. However, the mothers gained a good level of knowledge showing marked improvement in their practices after the NLSTP was implemented. The mean post-test knowledge score (17.6) was significantly higher than the mean pre-test knowledge score (10.8) with a SD of +1.33. Likewise, the mean post-test practice score (15.6) was significantly higher than the mean pre-test practice score (8.23) with a SD of +7.5. The paired ‘t’ test computed between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores (t = 67.6) and practice scores (t = 5.28) were highly significant at p ≤ 0.05 level. A significant association was found between the pre-test knowledge scores and monthly family income (p < 0.05 level). Conclusion: This study highlights that post-natal mothers have a lack of expertise in caring for their LBW babies. The NLSTP targeted at improving the knowledge and practices of post-natal mothers regarding the care of their LBW babies can help reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of LBW babies.