A descriptive study to assess the knowledge regarding the importance of umbilical cord care among the antenatal women of the selected community area of Sahaspur, Dehradun

Introduction: The umbilical cord is a vital structure in the development of a fetus, serving as the lifeline between the mother and the developing baby during pregnancy. It is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products. The umbilical cord typically develops by the fifth week of pregnancy and continues to grow throughout gestation, reaching an average length of about 50-60 centimeters at full term. It is usually clamped and cut after birth, leaving a small stump that eventually falls off, leaving the belly button as a permanent reminder. Statement of Problem: A descriptive study to assess the knowledge regarding the importance of Umbilical Cord Care among antenatal women’s of selected community area of Sahaspur, Dehradun. Objectives of the study: 1. To assess the knowledge of antenatal women in selected community area regarding umbilical cord care. 2. To determine the association between the level of knowledge and umbilical cord care among the antenatal women with selected demographic variables. Methodology: Quantitative research approach with descriptive research design was used in the study. The study was conducted in the community areas of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Total enumeration sampling was to collect data from 60 subjects by using Demographic profile, Self-structured questionnaire. Result: The demographic analysis of the study participants (N=60) revealed that the majority of mothers (41.7%) were in the 26–35 years age group, followed by 33.3% in the 18–25 years category, and 25.0% in the 36–45 years group. This indicates that most participants were of reproductive age, with a predominance in the young adult category. Regarding education levels, 33.3% of the participants had completed secondary education, 25.0% had attained higher education, another 25.0% had only primary school education, and 16.7% had no formal education. The variation in educational background suggests a need for tailored maternalhealth education programs, particularly for mothers with lower literacy levels. Conclusion: The study concluded that education level and source of knowledge significantly impact maternal knowledge of umbilical cord care. While general awareness was present, gaps in knowledge still exist, particularly concerning infection signs and proper care practices. The findings emphasize the importance of healthcare professionals in educating mothers and the necessity of structured health education interventions.