Korean J Child Health Nurs.  2004 Jul;10(3):262-271.

A Study of Parental Knowledge and Confidence in Newborn Care

• Lee HJ
• Lee SA
• Kim MH
• Kim YH
• Park NH

Abstract

PURPOSE
To explore the level of and relationship between parental knowledge and confidence in newborn care. METHOD: The sample of this study was consisted of 113 newborn's parents. Data was collected by researcher from Oct. 28th to Dec. 18th, 2002. Data were analyzed SPSS WIN(10.0) Program.
RESULTS
Total score of parents knowledge: Father's mean was 13.59(SD=5.32) and Mother's mean was 17.55(SD=3.72). There was meaningful difference in knowledge about newborn care between father and mother. The mother's knowledge was significant higher than the father's(t=6.45, p=.000). Total score of parents of newborn confidence: Father's mean was 40.66(SD=7.34) and Mother's mean was 41.88(SD=7.23). There was no difference in confidence in newborn care between father and mother(t=1.26, p=.209). There was significant correlation between knowledge and confidence about newborn care of fathers(r=.331, p<.001) and mothers(r=.317, p<.01).
CONCLUSION
There is a need to educate fathers to enhance their knowledge about newborn care. More research is needed to study the relationship between parental knowledge and accuracy of behavior regarding newborn care.

MeSH Terms

Fathers
Humans
Infant, Newborn*
Mothers
Parents*
Child Health