International Journal of Health Sciences and Research DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20210826 Vol.11; Issue: 8; August 2021 Website: www.ijhsr.org Original Research Article ISSN: 2249-9571 International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (www.ijhsr.org) 180 Vol.11; Issue: 8; August 2021 Awareness, Attitude and Use of Chlorhexidine Gel for Cord Care in a Well-Baby Clinic in Port Harcourt, Nigeria Josephine Enekole Aitafo 1 , Boma Awoala West 2 , Tamunoiyowuna Grace Okari 3 1 Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria 2,3 Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Rivers State University, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Corresponding Author: Josephine Enekole Aitafo ABSTRACT Introduction: Neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria is high and sepsis is a significant contributor. The World Health Organization recommends the use of 7.1% chlorhexidine gel for cord care to prevent neonatal sepsis and mortality. Aim: The study aimed to assess the awareness, attitude and use of chlorhexidine gel for cord care among mothers in Port Harcourt. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the well-baby clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital for 3 months. A research proforma with questions to assess awareness, attitude and use of chlorhexidine gel for cord care practices among the participants was used to collect data and analyzed with SPSS version 23. A score of 70% or more was taken as benchmark for good awareness, attitude and use. Result: A total of 199 mothers participated in the study, 126(63.3%) had heard of chlorhexidine gel, mostly from antenatal clinics. Thirty (23.8%) knew that it prevents neonatal infections, 74(58.7%) perceived it was effective, but only 19(9.6%) used it. About a third of the mothers had good awareness and attitude towards the use of chlorhexidine gel but only 18(9%) used it correctly. Mothers with tertiary level of education significantly had good attitude towards its use and poor knowledge correlated significantly with poor use, P < 0.05. Conclusion: The level of awareness, attitude and use of CHX in cord care practices in Port Harcourt is poor. There is an urgent need to educate mothers on the proper use and benefits of chlorhexidine gel in cord care practices. Keywords: Chlorhexidine gel, Cord Care, Awareness, Attitude, Use, Port Harcourt. INTRODUCTION Neonatal mortality (NNM) rates in developing countries especially in sub - Saharan Africa where Nigeria is located is high. 1 The neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria as at 2019 still remains high at 39/1000 live births NDHS with preterm deliveries, perinatal asphyxia and neonatal sepsis as leading causes. 2 Neonates are at risk of developing sepsis when microorganisms gain entrance to their blood by colonizing their bodies and the umbilical cord stump, causing omphalitis. The common pathogenic microbes implicated in this infection include Staphylococcus aureus, group A Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. 3 In order to reduce the risk of neonatal sepsis (NNS) occurring from infected umbilical cord stump, appropriate cord care practices are advocated. These practices as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) include the use of sterile instrument in ligating the cord at birth, in addition to air drying of the