Awareness and Health Care Seeking Behaviour for Newborn Danger Signs Among Mothers in Rural Area

Background: Newborn health remains a major public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services is limited. Early recognition of newborn danger signs and prompt health-care seeking behaviour are critical to reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and health-care seeking behaviour regarding newborn danger signs among mothers in rural areas. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers who had delivered within the past 12 months. Data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire focusing on knowledge of key newborn danger signs—such as poor feeding, fever, hypothermia, fast breathing, convulsions, lethargy, jaundice, and umbilical infection—and patterns of health-care seeking. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to determine associations between socio-demographic factors and awareness levels. The findings revealed that while a majority of mothers recognized at least one danger sign, comprehensive knowledge of multiple critical signs was limited. Fever and difficulty in breathing were the most commonly identified danger signs, whereas hypothermia and convulsions were less frequently recognized. Although many mothers reported seeking care from government or private health facilities, delays in decision-making and preference for home remedies or traditional healers were noted in some cases. Maternal education, antenatal care attendance, and exposure to health education were significantly associated with better awareness and timely health-care seeking behavior. The study concludes that awareness of newborn danger signs among rural mothers remains inadequate, which may contribute to delays in appropriate care. Strengthening community-based health education programs and promoting maternal counseling during antenatal and postnatal visits are recommended to improve early recognition and prompt treatment, thereby reducing preventable neonatal deaths. Conclusion: The present study highlights that awareness of newborn danger signs among mothers in rural areas remains moderate but not comprehensive. Although most mothers were able to identify at least one danger sign— particularly fever and difficulty in breathing—knowledge of other critical signs such as hypothermia, convulsions, and lethargy was limited.