A study to assess the effectiveness of planned teaching regarding the harmful effect of oil application on anterior fontanels of newborn among post-natal mothers

Introduction

The fragile, delicate bodies of babies necessitate extra care and attention throughout their first few days of life. The infant’s anterior fontanelle, a soft part of the skull where the cranial bones have not yet fused, must be maintained.¹ Despite the fact that this area is already delicate and sensitive, some cultural norms or well-meaning but wrong views have encouraged the use of oils in the anterior fontanelle.²

The purpose of this introduction is to highlight the need for adequate infant care practices and shed light on the detrimental consequences of oil application on babies’ anterior fontanelles. The anterior fontanelle, also known as the “soft spot,” is a membrane-covered space in the baby’s skull that allows it to grow and bend throughout the early stages of development.³ Oils or other substances applied to the anterior fontanelle in many cultures can improve brain development, increase brain growth, or even fend off evil spirits.⁴

First, certain oils may include allergens or irritants that might result in skin reactions or infections when in contact with a baby’s sensitive skin. Second, oils can hinder sweat from normal evaporation, increase body heat retention, and increase the newborn’s vulnerability to heat-related disorders. In addition, improper soft spot handling during oil delivery may result in mechanical injuries such as pressure on the fontanelle or an inadvertent puncture, which can lead to serious problems such as infections or brain damage.⁵ Promoting evidence-based practices and educating parents and communities about the dangers of applying oils to the anterior fontanelle are crucial tasks for healthcare providers and caregivers.

Encouragement of suitable infant care practices, such as routine washing, keeping the environment clean, and avoiding superfluous practices, can significantly lower the risk of neonatal injuries. Finally, the anterior fontanelle of a newborn is a delicate and vulnerable structure that requires special care and preservation.⁶ Applying oils to this sensitive part of the baby’s head may have negative consequences, including skin difficulties, heat-related disorders, and the possibility of mechanical harm. By raising awareness of the negative consequences of oil application on the anterior fontanelle, we may work to protect newborn’s health and safety and develop evidence-based practices for baby care.⁷

Discussion

In this study, a descriptive research design was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 157 samples from a single institution. A structured dichotomous questionnaire and demographic data were used to gather the subjects’ data. Results: The information acquired from 157 samples was analyzed using descriptive statistics. (149) Of the mothers, 95% massaged their infants with oil before bathing. (83) 53% of mothers have given their infants over-the-counter medications. When their babies’ skin turned yellow, (87) 55% of the mothers gave their children ash, soot, powder, or dried cow dung; (115) 73% of the mothers exposed their children to sunshine. (129) To avoid bad eyesight, 82% of mothers apply “Kajal” to their infant’s face. (92%). 59% of mothers follow the adage “An empty cradle should not be moved.” In summary, the study’s conclusions showed a significant correlation between parents’ cultural practices and beliefs about baby care and demographic traits, including family structure and religion. The postnatal ward should offer regular health education on the dos and don’ts of newborn care. This will help curtail the detrimental customs.¹⁰ To determine the customary remedies Turkish mothers utilized to treat their newborns’ jaundice, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. In one university hospital and one public children’s hospital in Sanliurfa, 229 mothers of newborns aged 0-28 days were assessed using knowledge questionnaires on the customs and beliefs of mothers regarding jaundice. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential methods. According to this study, mothers apply traditional practices when dealing with health issues such as jaundice, and these methods are important to them. In addition, mothers mentioned employing dangerous traditional therapies for neonatal jaundice, such as severing the space between the infant’s brows with a knife, which is not customary in other societies. The study’s conclusions were used to support the recommendation that families should receive education regarding the consequences of conventional techniques and that future research examining the effects of this type of education should be guided by these findings.³ All babies admitted to the paediatrics department at SVP PGIP & SCBMCH, CUTTACK, or those who presented to the outpatient department at SVPPGIP, CTC, were eligible for this descriptive study a two-year span beginning on August 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2016. Critically ill neonates were excluded from the study. A structured dichotomous questionnaire was developed, verified, and used to gather, examine, and aggregate the data. Of the 170 mothers, 64.1% were under 25 years of age, and 61.8% were part of a combined or extended family. Over 40% (40.6%) of mothers had a family income of less than Rs. 9794, the majority (>80%) were in Matric, and 91.2% of mothers were identified as Hindu. Eleven infants were wrapped in old fabric within 30 min of delivery, making up the bulk of newborns (69.4%). A total of 95.9% of mothers massaged their infants with oil prior to bathing, and 92.4% massaged their infants with oil. week on earth. Of the mothers who began breastfeeding, 54% did so within one hour, 24.7% did so between one and four hours, and 15.9% did so more than that. Ethic-related issues.¹¹