Knowledge, Family Support and Self-Reliance Capital when Caring for Low Birth Weight Babies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) infants are very susceptible to illness. LBW treatment with the principle of preventing infection is very important at home. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal knowledge and family support with the prevention of infection at home. Methods: This study used a correlation design. The samples were 160 mothers who had low birth weight infants with inclusion criteria mothers give birth to babies weighing less than 2,500 grams with ages 0-2 months. The samples were obtained through purposive sampling. The dependent variable was the mother's ability to prevent infection while the independent variable was the mother's knowledge and family support. The instruments used were questionnaires. This research analyzed using Spearman Rho. Results: The results showed that there was a strong correlation between knowledge and the ability to prevent infection in treating low birth weight (r = 0.696; p = 0.00) and that there was a moderate correlation between family support and infection prevention ability when treating a low birth weight (r = 0.54. p = 0.000). Conclusion: Factors of maternal knowledge about infection prevention and family support need to be considered in increasing the ability of mothers to care for babies with LBW. The factor of maternal knowledge about prevention of infection has a strong correlation value when compared to family support factors. Further research is needed on the model of increasing maternal knowledge about LBW infants during home care.