Predictors of neonatal hypothermia within six hours of birth and exploring preventive practices among post-natal mothers in Kilimanjaro region: Explanatory sequential mixed method protocol

by Emmanuel Daniel, Saada A. Seif, Walter C. Millanzi

Neonatal hypothermia is a worldwide problem that can lead to a high impact on neonatal health outcomes if appropriate thermal care measures are not implemented. Tackling neonatal hypothermia from the time of delivery with appropriate thermal care measures will increase neonatal survival and decrease complications related to hypothermia.

The study aims to determine the predictors of neonatal hypothermia within six hours of birth and explore its preventive practices among postnatal mothers.

This is a mixed-method sequential explanatory study. The first phase will be a quantitative study with a hospital-based analytical cross-sectional design. 325 neonates and their mothers will be randomly selected through a 4-stage sampling technique. The data will be collected using a structured questionnaire, checklist and documentary review. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to analyse the data. The second phase will be a descriptive qualitative study involving postnatal mothers who participated in a quantitative study. The data will be collected via in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis will be used to analyse the data. The findings of quantitative and qualitative studies will be triangulated in the discussion.

This study will provide a wide understanding of neonatal hypothermia in the region which will help healthcare providers who are caring for neonates to be informed about the current situation, evaluate the care they provide, and find the best way to adhere to thermal care measures. Moreover, the practices of postnatal mothers will be known, which will help to develop tailored interactions to address this problem.