A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria

Abstract Background Umbilical cord care is an important aspect of newborn health, and different practices exist around the world, often influenced by cultural, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize current literature on umbilic...

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Main Authors: Precious Ebube Anyakorah, Florence Chinelo Aguna, David Chinaecherem Innocent, Anthony Chinonso Uwandu-Uzoma, Uzochukwu Godswill Ekeleme, Chidera Chisom Obasi, Stanley Chinedu Eneh, Chidinma Peace Ahunam, Ihuoma Chimdimma Dike, Vivian Chidimma Maduekwe, Oluwaseunayo Deborah Ayando, Chinazaekpere Oguguo Duruji, Rejoicing Chijindum Innocent, Princess Chidiebube Uwaezuoke, Oluwafunmilayo Opeyemi Adenuga, Chiagoziem Ogazirilem Emerole
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:BMC Pediatrics
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05387-0
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author Precious Ebube Anyakorah
Florence Chinelo Aguna
David Chinaecherem Innocent
Anthony Chinonso Uwandu-Uzoma
Uzochukwu Godswill Ekeleme
Chidera Chisom Obasi
Stanley Chinedu Eneh
Chidinma Peace Ahunam
Ihuoma Chimdimma Dike
Vivian Chidimma Maduekwe
Oluwaseunayo Deborah Ayando
Chinazaekpere Oguguo Duruji
Rejoicing Chijindum Innocent
Princess Chidiebube Uwaezuoke
Oluwafunmilayo Opeyemi Adenuga
Chiagoziem Ogazirilem Emerole
author_facet Precious Ebube Anyakorah
Florence Chinelo Aguna
David Chinaecherem Innocent
Anthony Chinonso Uwandu-Uzoma
Uzochukwu Godswill Ekeleme
Chidera Chisom Obasi
Stanley Chinedu Eneh
Chidinma Peace Ahunam
Ihuoma Chimdimma Dike
Vivian Chidimma Maduekwe
Oluwaseunayo Deborah Ayando
Chinazaekpere Oguguo Duruji
Rejoicing Chijindum Innocent
Princess Chidiebube Uwaezuoke
Oluwafunmilayo Opeyemi Adenuga
Chiagoziem Ogazirilem Emerole
author_sort Precious Ebube Anyakorah
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Umbilical cord care is an important aspect of newborn health, and different practices exist around the world, often influenced by cultural, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize current literature on umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the impact of cultural beliefs, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. Methods A comprehensive search for literature was performed across PubMED, MEDLINE and Google scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2023. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was followed for the execution of this study. Eligibility criteria included only English studies investigating umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with outcomes connected to cultural, healthcare, or socioeconomic factors. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to critically appraise the quality and rigor of selected studies. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies (qualitative and quantitative), qualitative narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the studies in a textual format for comprehensive understanding. Results A total of 11 included studies were found out of 1532 studies. The findings reveal a range of cord care practices, emphasizing the use of various methods such as methylated spirit, hot compresses, and indigenous substances. Cultural beliefs, a lack of healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic circumstances all have a big impact on cord care decisions. Disparities in knowledge and adherence to evidence-based procedures are noticeable, particularly in the use of chlorhexidine gel. Infections continue to be a problem, highlighting the significance of appropriate therapies. Conclusion This systematic review offers a comprehensive perspective of Nigerian umbilical cord care practices, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive educational interventions, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and targeted legislative measures. Despite its limitations, the study is an important resource for guiding future research, policy creation, and interventions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Nigeria.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1471-2431
language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher BMC
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series BMC Pediatrics
spelling doaj-art-f774919f6f8e4c7aa82347515ec0b8a92025-01-19T12:38:52ZengBMCBMC Pediatrics1471-24312025-01-0125111310.1186/s12887-025-05387-0A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in NigeriaPrecious Ebube Anyakorah0Florence Chinelo Aguna1David Chinaecherem Innocent2Anthony Chinonso Uwandu-Uzoma3Uzochukwu Godswill Ekeleme4Chidera Chisom Obasi5Stanley Chinedu Eneh6Chidinma Peace Ahunam7Ihuoma Chimdimma Dike8Vivian Chidimma Maduekwe9Oluwaseunayo Deborah Ayando10Chinazaekpere Oguguo Duruji11Rejoicing Chijindum Innocent12Princess Chidiebube Uwaezuoke13Oluwafunmilayo Opeyemi Adenuga14Chiagoziem Ogazirilem Emerole15Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology OwerriDepartment of Dental Technology, Federal University of Technology OwerriDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology OwerriDepartment of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, Faculty of Health Studies, University of BradfordDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology OwerriDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology OwerriDepartment of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo UniversityDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology OwerriDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology OwerriDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology OwerriDepartment of Public Health, Kwara State UniversityDepartment of Health Promotions, Community Healthcare Network HospitalDepartment of Pharmacy, Enugu State University of Science and TechnologyDepartment of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-OzallaDepartment of Public Health, Kwara State UniversityDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology OwerriAbstract Background Umbilical cord care is an important aspect of newborn health, and different practices exist around the world, often influenced by cultural, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize current literature on umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the impact of cultural beliefs, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. Methods A comprehensive search for literature was performed across PubMED, MEDLINE and Google scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2023. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was followed for the execution of this study. Eligibility criteria included only English studies investigating umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with outcomes connected to cultural, healthcare, or socioeconomic factors. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to critically appraise the quality and rigor of selected studies. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies (qualitative and quantitative), qualitative narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the studies in a textual format for comprehensive understanding. Results A total of 11 included studies were found out of 1532 studies. The findings reveal a range of cord care practices, emphasizing the use of various methods such as methylated spirit, hot compresses, and indigenous substances. Cultural beliefs, a lack of healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic circumstances all have a big impact on cord care decisions. Disparities in knowledge and adherence to evidence-based procedures are noticeable, particularly in the use of chlorhexidine gel. Infections continue to be a problem, highlighting the significance of appropriate therapies. Conclusion This systematic review offers a comprehensive perspective of Nigerian umbilical cord care practices, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive educational interventions, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and targeted legislative measures. Despite its limitations, the study is an important resource for guiding future research, policy creation, and interventions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Nigeria.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05387-0Umbilical cordCultural practicesHealthcare infrastructureSocioeconomic factorsNigeria
spellingShingle Precious Ebube Anyakorah
Florence Chinelo Aguna
David Chinaecherem Innocent
Anthony Chinonso Uwandu-Uzoma
Uzochukwu Godswill Ekeleme
Chidera Chisom Obasi
Stanley Chinedu Eneh
Chidinma Peace Ahunam
Ihuoma Chimdimma Dike
Vivian Chidimma Maduekwe
Oluwaseunayo Deborah Ayando
Chinazaekpere Oguguo Duruji
Rejoicing Chijindum Innocent
Princess Chidiebube Uwaezuoke
Oluwafunmilayo Opeyemi Adenuga
Chiagoziem Ogazirilem Emerole
A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria
BMC Pediatrics
Umbilical cord
Cultural practices
Healthcare infrastructure
Socioeconomic factors
Nigeria
title A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria
title_full A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria
title_fullStr A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria
title_full_unstemmed A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria
title_short A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria
title_sort qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in nigeria
topic Umbilical cord
Cultural practices
Healthcare infrastructure
Socioeconomic factors
Nigeria
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05387-0
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