Knowledge of Neonatal Danger Signs and Associated Factors Among Husbands with Neonate at Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Neonatal mortality has remained high in Ethiopia despite different efforts being undertaken to reduce this negative trend. Early detection of neonatal illnesses is an important step toward improving newborn survival. Knowledge of husbands towards neonatal danger signs especially in developing countries, like Ethiopians is very important, as mothers' access to health care is largely affected by their husbands' decision-making. However, there is limited information about the knowledge of husbands on neonatal danger signs and associated factors in the study area. This study aims to assess husbands’ knowledge on neonatal danger signs, and associated factors. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study conducted at Bale zone south-east Ethiopia in 2023 among 408 respondents selected by using simple random sampling method. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were utilized. Result The study reveals that husbands good knowledge of neonatal danger signs was 44% (95% CI: 0.39–0.49). Regarding the factors; husbands level of education (AOR = 2.18, (95% CI; [1.05, 4.54]), and having information on neonatal danger sign (AOR = 6.91, 95% CI; [3.58, 13.35]) were factors significantly associated with husbands’ knowledge on neonatal danger signs. Conclusion The proportion of Husbands’ knowledge on neonatal danger sign was low. Husbands’ level of education and having information on neonatal danger signs were factors significantly associated with husbands’ knowledge on neonatal danger sign. Hence, the best way to address the health of newborns is to raise awareness and encourage husbands to actively participate in the process of obtaining medical attention.