EFFECTIVENESS OF NEWBORN CARE EDUCATION IN IMPROVING FATHERS’ KNOWLEDGE OF BABY BATHING AND CORD CARE

Abstract

Background: Father participation in newborn care is essential to promote the baby’s health and optimal development. However, many fathers still lack adequate knowledge and confidence in performing basic newborn care such as bathing and umbilical cord care. Focused educational interventions are needed to equip fathers with appropriate skills during the perinatal period. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of newborn care education in improving fathers’ knowledge of baby bathing and umbilical cord care. Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group approach. A total of 66 respondents were selected through purposive sampling, divided equally into experimental and control groups (33 each). The intervention consisted of a structured 7-day education program using an interactive module and instructional videos on newborn bathing and umbilical cord care, delivered through two in-person sessions and daily reminders. Fathers’ knowledge was measured using the Father’s Knowledge Questionnaire on Newborn Care. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: The control group showed a mean pre-test score of 4.21 and post-test score of 4.48, while the experimental group’s mean pre-test score was 3.94 and post-test score was 6.88. The Mann–Whitney test revealed a significant difference between groups (p = 0.000 < α 0.05). Conclusion: Newborn care education was proven effective in increasing fathers’ knowledge regarding baby bathing and umbilical cord care, highlighting the importance of targeted educational interventions for paternal involvement in neonatal health.