A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PLANNED TEACHING PROGRAMME ON THE PRACTICE OF WARM CHAIN AMONG MOTHERS ADMITTED TO SELECTED RURAL HOSPITALS OF RATLAM, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

Neonatal hypothermia is a major yet preventable cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries like India. The World Health Organization defines neonatal hypothermia as a body temperature below 36.5°C. Despite advancements in maternal and child health services, the prevalence of hypothermia remains high in rural settings due to limited awareness, inadequate facilities, and improper newborn care practices.

The warm chain refers to a series of interlinked procedures aimed at maintaining the newborn’s body temperature from birth until discharge. These include warm delivery rooms, immediate drying, skin-to-skin contact, early initiation of breastfeeding, delayed bathing, appropriate clothing, and rooming-in. Mothers are the primary caregivers and play a crucial role in sustaining these practices.

Studies have shown that lack of maternal knowledge and poor practice of warm chain measures contribute significantly to neonatal hypothermia. Therefore, educating mothers through structured and planned teaching programmes is an effective strategy to improve newborn care practices and outcomes.