UTILIZATION OF CHLORHEXIDINE GEL FOR UMBILICAL CORD CARE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MOTHERS OF INFANTS AGED LESS THAN SIX MONTHS ATTENDING PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN ASELLA TOWN, OROMIA REGION STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Evidence showed that umbilical cord hygiene prevents sepsis, which is one cause of neonatal mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 7.1% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) application to the umbilicus for the consecutive seven days in high mortality contexts. However, there is paucity of studies on utilization of chlorhexidine gel for umbilical cord care in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess utilization of chlorhexidine gel for umbilical cord care and associated factors among mothers having infants less than six months of age attending public health facilities of Asella town, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia,2024. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 12, 2024 to November 12,2024 among 415 mothers with infants aged less than six months in public health facilities of Asella town. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Data was collected using the structure and a pre-tested questionnaire. Data was entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value less than 0.05 was used to determine the statistically significant. Results: The utilization of chlorhexidine gel in this study was 30.2% (95% CI: 25.5- 34.9). Being multiparous (AOR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.06,6.38), received counsel on cord care (AOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.08,4.06), having favorable attitude (AOR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.35,4.62) and good knowledge (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.70) were found significantly associated with an adequate utilization of chlorhexidine gel. Conclusion and recommendation: Utilization of chlorhexidine was lower than the national finding. Having good knowledge, favorable attitude, being multiparous and receiving counsel on cord care were associated with adequate utilization of chlorhexidine. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare providers should strengthen counseling mothers during postnatal care on the benefits and importance of chlorhexidine use. Keywords: Utilization, chlorhexidine gel, umbilical cord care, Asella, Ethiopia.