ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EARLY ESSENTIAL NEWBORN CARE AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between Early Essential Newborn Care and neurodevelopmental outcomes among newborns.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatrics/Neonatology, The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health Multan during November 2024 to May 2025.

Methodology: A total of 388 newborns were included in the study. The sample size was calculated using the WHO sample size formula. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical assessment. Early Essential Newborn Care practices including early drying, skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, early initiation of breastfeeding, and thermal care were recorded. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using age-appropriate early developmental scale items. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, while qualitative variables were presented as frequency and percentage. Chi-square test was applied to determine the association between Early Essential Newborn Care and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Results: Newborns receiving EENC had better neurodevelopmental outcomes than those who did not receive complete EENC. Early breastfeeding was significantly related and better skin-to-skin contact, and adequate thermal protection were significantly related to the motor, cognitive, and social developmental responses.

Conclusion: there is a positive association between Early Essential Newborn Care and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Improving practices around newborn care can help improve early child development and decrease future developmental delays.