A systematic review of evidence on maternal knowledge and associated health care seeking practices regarding neonatal danger signs.
Abstract
Introduction: Many global strategies have been laid by the WHO and UNICEF for midwives' training for their skill enhancement and involvement of mothers along with family for the quality health care to be given to neonates. This study was undertaken to review knowledge and health care-seeking behavior among mothers of neonates, so that measures can be planned to deliver quality care to mothers and neonates in a more efficient and acceptable manner.
Methodology: A systematic review of quantitative studies published between January 2012 and March 2025 was undertaken using the following databases: CINAHL Plus, ERIC, Embase, Medline, SCOPUS, ProQuest, and ProQuest Dissertation. A systematic review of experimental studies (RCT), non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs), controlled before and after the implementation of an intervention, and controlled observational studies. Data were extracted using a narrative synthesis. Out of 1217 studies, only 42 studies were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Result: This review demonstrates that mothers had a lack of knowledge regarding danger signs, and poor health care-seeking behaviour was assessed among mothers. Many barrier factors were identified causing poor health- seeking behaviour, such as financial issues, limited knowledge among mothers, socio-cultural factors, and decision- making power in the family. Review has shown that interventions or programmes are required for the improvement in behaviour and knowledge among mothers, but limited data are available regarding interventional programme implementation.
Conclusion: Overall, the knowledge and health- seeking behaviour among mothers is poor, but if a planned intervention is implemented from the ANC or PNC period, there will be an improvement in knowledge and health-seeking behaviour among mothers, which will directly help in the reduction of neonatal mortality.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202602
How to cite this article:
Sharma P, Pareek S, Laxmi, Maternal Knowledge and Associated Health Care Seeking Practices Regarding Neonatal Danger Signs: A Systematic Review. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med.2026;12(1):34-47.
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