Utilization of Home-Based Newborn Care Services in District Meerut, Uttar Pradesh : A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The neonatal period contributes substantially to infant and under-five mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite implementation of the Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) program under the National Health Mission, variations in service coverage and quality persist. Objective of the study was to assessed the utilization and quality of HBNC services in  Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. Material & Methods:  A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 mothers of infants aged 6–14 weeks across 12 blocks of Meerut district using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Data regarding HBNC visits, feeding practices, immunization, and maternal awareness of neonatal danger signs were collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using Jamovi Version 2.6.44. Results:  Complete scheduled HBNC visits were received by 87.5% of newborns. Institutional delivery was reported in 93.6% cases, while 83.9% infants were age-appropriately immunized. Weight monitoring was performed in 87.8% newborns and temperature monitoring in 68.1%. Kangaroo Mother Care was practiced by 53.6% mothers. Early initiation of breastfeeding was reported in 35.3% cases, whereas exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was 71.9%. Substance application to the umbilical cord was observed in 43.9% newborns. Maternal awareness regarding neonatal danger signs such as convulsions (3.3%) and lethargy (4.4%) was low. Conclusion: The study reported coverage under the HBNC program; however, important gaps were identified in comprehensive newborn assessment, early initiation of breastfeeding, and maternal awareness of neonatal danger signs. Strengthening supportive supervision, refresher training, and behaviour change interventions may improve the overall effectiveness of the program.