[version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]
No competing interests were disclosed.
The anterior fontanelle, sometimes known as the “soft spot,” is an important anatomical component in neonates that allows brain growth and development. Possible harm is caused by such practices, as they may result in unfavorable outcomes, such as skin irritation and a delay in fontanelle closure. The goal of this study was to see how effective pre-planned education was at informing postpartum women about the dangers of applying oil to newborns’ anterior fontanelles.
The study was conducted with the goal of increasing the understanding of the adverse effects of oil application on the anterior fontanels of newborns among postnatal mothers, The study will be thoroughly described to the participants, and their written Consent will be taken for the participate in the study and publishing the information. Sampling technique will be convenient. Population and sampling techniques will be examined. Mothers will be the target group with a sample size of 60 postnatal mothers. The sample will be drawn using The Purposive sampling approach. Prior authorization will be acquired from the designated hospitals’ higher authority. The inclusion criteria will be used to select samples. Information will be gathered from the hospital’s obstetric ward. First, pretest knowledge of the adverse effects of applying oil to newborns’ anterior fontanels among postnatal mothers was assessed. Postnatal mothers will be taught about the detrimental effects of placing oil on the anterior fontanels of their newborns. The post-test assessment of knowledge regarding the adverse effects of applying oil to anterior fontanels was performed after 7 days. If the hypothesis of our study is helpful in improving mothers’ knowledge in the post-test rather than pre-test following the intended training.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The purpose of this study was to assess how well postpartum mothers understood the harmful effects of oil application on their newborn’s anterior fontanelles through a structured education session.
To improve knowledge regarding the harmful effects of oil application on the anterior fontanels of newborns among postnatal mothers. To Evaluate the effectiveness of planned teaching regarding the harmful effects of oil on anterior fontanels of newborn postnatal mothers.
The participants’ written agreement will be sought from their mothers at Sawangi Meghe Hospital in Wardha, Maharashtra, as this study is cantered on postnatal mothers. Pre- and post-test knowledge will be collected after obtaining ethical approval with the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on creating planned instructions for mothers to impart knowledge. Mothers were the study’s target demographic for the interventional approach research design, which consisted of a single group pre- and post-test. The target population of this study will be mothers. participants In the study will be new mothers. A non-probability sampling technique will employed in this investigation. 60 mothers will make up a convenient sample size for this investigation. The study tools consisted of structured lectures and questionnaires. The variable consists of two variables: independent and dependent. The awareness of mothers regarding the detrimental impact of oil application on a newborn’s anterior fontanelles will the dependent variable, while the planned education of postnatal mothers on this knowledge will the independent variable. We plan to gather this information using questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics will used for interpretation, followed by report-writing.
Postnatal mothers admitted and presenting in ward. Postnatal mothers who can read and write English and Marathi. Mother available during data collection.
Postnatal mothers who are known cases of psychiatric illness. Postnatal mothers who had already been a part of a similar study from 6 months to 1 year. Mother who is not willing to participate in the study.
In this study, an interventional method will be used in conjunction with a pretest and post-test design. We recruited 60 postpartum mothers. The total knowledge of postnatal mothers will be measured using a structured knowledge questionnaire. Sections A and B constitute the two sections that constitute the tool. The demographic information in Section A includes age, education level, type of home, monthly income, and prior awareness of the harmful effects of oil application on a newborn’s anterior fontanel. Ten items comprise Section B’s structured knowledge questionnaire on negative impacts. Experts received the instrument to guarantee content authenticity. Following consultation with the guide and expert guidance, the instrument underwent necessary modifications. The details will be gathered between October 5, 2023, and November 5, 2023.
A standardized questionnaire will be used to assess the participants’ current knowledge of the detrimental effects of oil application on the anterior fontanels of newborns among postnatal mothers.
We will create a 30-minute teaching plan on the adverse effects of oil application on newborn anterior fontanels.
A post-test questionnaire will be administered after seven days to assess the success of the intended education on the adverse effects of oil application on the anterior fontanels of newborns.
The primary goal of this study was to improve postnatal mothers’ understanding of the adverse effects of oil application on the anterior fontanels of newborns. This was determined by comparing postnatal pre- and post-test results.
A feedback survey and questionnaires used to assess participant satisfaction with the planned educational program and their assessment of its worth in terms of knowledge improvement were used to assess participant satisfaction. Planned instruction had little effect on postnatal moms’ practice of administering oil to their newborns’ anterior fontanels. It monitors whether there is a decrease in the amount or frequency of oil applied to this sensitive spot, indicating an improvement in the procedures.
“Eligibility criteria are the postnatal mothers who are interested in participating in the study.”
The sample size calculation is based on a similar study.
In the present study, the sample is postnatal mothers selected hospitals.
Sample size – 60
I took this sample size from this reference to obtain the sample size.
Cochran’s formula for sample size (this formula is referred as per Cochran W.G. et al)
Z = 1.96
P = Subjects received jaundice education
= 11% = 0.11
d = Desired error of margin = 8% = 0.08
T-tests and other analytical tests will be also performed. All statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS version 27.0
The pre-test and post-test will be used to assess knowledge levels; knowledge will change as a result of the intended training, and knowledge will improve.
Bias is conceivable at the statistical analysis level and can be mitigated by utilizing appropriate analytical software and double checking of the outputs.
When the study is completed, it will be published in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and other nursing-related indexed journals.
Currently, the study is yet to be started.
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.
The institutional ethics committee approved the title of the Study with reference number DMIHER (DU)/IEC/2023/1133 ON DATE 01/07/2023 this approval has been granted on the assumption that the proposed research work will be carried out in accordance with the ethical guideline prescribed by central ethics committee on human research (C.E.C.H.R.).
No dada associated with this article.
I would like to thanks Ms. Manjusha Mahakarkar for her invaluable advice, Mr. Vijay Babar for his assistance with the sample size calculation and analytic design, and Mr. Laximakant Umate for his assistance in developing the study Protocol.
The protocol has relevance for practice and potential to improve newborn health but it has several gaps.Â
Harmful practices are best addressed before they happen; hence will the researchers sample mothers with newborns who have applied the oil to the fontanel or any mother seeking postnatal service? Â
The protocol does not specify why postnatal mothers alone are the population of interest. Antenatal mothers and newborn gatekeepers could be included as the population of interest if the aim is to generate the evidence needed to change this cultural practice or generate evidence needed to address this issue. Postnatal mothers often are not the ones implementing the practice of oil application to fontanels due to cultural norms.Â
Besides, conducting training and assessing maternal knowledge and the practice of oil application during the postnatal period leaves room for non compliance to best newborn practices.
There is heavy confusion in the language text presentation between the proposal language and the study conduct; it appears the study has already been conducted; language editing needed.Â
The discussion section needs to be improved; the content is linked to a different study not linked so well to the study topic.Â
Is the study design appropriate for the research question?
Partly
Is the rationale for, and objectives of, the study clearly described?
Yes
Are sufficient details of the methods provided to allow replication by others?
No
Are the datasets clearly presented in a useable and accessible format?
Partly
Reviewer Expertise:
Newborn health; child migration.
I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above.