DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i05.012

Pages: 1775-1781

Adequate thermal protection is essential for the survival of a newborn immediately after birth. If adequate thermal protection is not provided to the newborn immediately after birth, the newborn finds difficult to adjust with the external environment. The present study was conducted to find out the prevailing thermal care practices of newborn in a rural area of Dibrugarh district, Assam. A study was conducted among 257 infants aged 0-6 months in a rural area of Dibrugarh district, Assam from August 2013 to July 2014. Data was collected by interviewing the mothers of the infants using a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Majority of infants (55.3%) were in the age group of 5-6 months. 51.8% were males and 60.7% were of birth order 1. 82.5% belonged to Hindu religion, 67.3% belonged to OBC category and 68.5% were joint families. Most of the families (42.0%) belonged to socioeconomic Class IV. Majority of the deliveries (97.7%) were institutional. 98.4% neonates were cleaned by mopping with cloth after birth. 98.4% neonates were dried and wrapped immediately after birth. 99.2% neonates were wrapped with a sterile cloth. Skin-to-skin contact was given to 85.6% neonates. 98.4% neonates were given first bath after 24 hours of delivery. All the mothers (100.0%) used warm water to bath her baby. 73.5% neonates were initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. 91.8% neonates were fed colostrums. The study revealed that correct thermal care was practiced in the rural area of Dibrugarh. Adequate health education regarding thermoregulation of newborn should be given to health care provider.