Impact of A Modular Educational Intervention on Mother’s Knowledge Regarding Neonatal Sepsis and Its Prevention: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis remains a major threat to newborn survival, particularly where early recognition and timely care-seeking are limited by inadequate maternal knowledge. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured modular educational intervention in improving mother’s knowledge regarding neonatal sepsis and its prevention.

Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental two-group pre-test–post-test design was adopted among 60 mothers of newborns, with 30 participants each in the intervention and comparison groups. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Maternal knowledge was assessed using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire. The intervention group received a standardized modular educational programme addressing neonatal sepsis, risk factors, danger signs, preventive measures, and appropriate care-seeking, while the comparison group received routine community health information. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores were compared using appropriate inferential statistics.

Results: Baseline knowledge was comparable between the intervention and comparison groups (mean ± SD: 9.13 ± 2.69 vs. 9.67 ± 1.95; p = 0.383). Following the intervention, the mean knowledge score increased to 18.63 ± 2.39 in the intervention group compared with 11.77 ± 1.87 in the comparison group. The intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater mean knowledge gain (9.50 vs. 2.10 points; between-group difference = 7.40, 95% CI: 5.81–8.99; p < 0.001). The effect size was very large (Cohen’s d = 2.41). Significant improvement was observed across all assessed knowledge domains. Post-intervention knowledge was significantly associated with educational status and monthly family income.

Conclusion: The structured modular educational intervention produced a substantial improvement in maternal knowledge regarding neonatal sepsis and its prevention. The findings support the integration of standardized, nurse-led modular education into community-based maternal and new born health services to strengthen early recognition, prevention, and timely care-seeking for neonatal illness.