European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECTIVENESS OF TOPICAL APPLICATION OF BREAST MILK AND POVIDONE IODINE ON UMBILICAL CORD HEALING AMONG THE NEWBORNS

Betcy K. Jayims* and Bhasura Chandrachood

ABSTRACT

A comparative study to assess the effectiveness of topical application of breast milk and povidone iodine on umbilical cord healing among newborns in selected hospitals at kollam. The objectives of the study were to assess the effectiveness of topical application of breast milk on umbilical cord healing among the newborns (group 1), to assess the effectiveness of topical application of povidone iodine on umbilical cord healing among the newborns (group 2) and to compare the effectiveness of topical application of breast milk in group 1 and povidone iodine in group 2 on umbilical cord healing among the newborns. A quasi experimental time series design was used and consisted of 80 newborns born by Caesarean section were randomly assigned to Group 1 and Group 2. The tools used were demographic proforma and an observational checklist for assessing umbilical cord healing process. The intervention was provided to both groups thrice a day for seven days including cord swab culture on day 3 and at cord separation. Healing process was assessed on day 3, 5 and 7.The data collected was analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. On comparing the signs of infection on Group 1 and Group 2, it showed that abnormal findings in Group 2 were comparatively higher than Group 1. On comparing the overall healing process between groups on day 3, day 5 and day 7, calculated ‘z’ value was greater than table value. It concludes that there is a significant difference in healing process among the newborns with topical application of breast milk in comparison to povidone iodine. The findings of study suggest that topical application of breast milk helps in early detachment of cord, less infection and better cord healing in comparison to povidone iodine.

Keywords: Newborn; umbilical cord; topical application of breast milk and povidone iodine; healing.