Mothers’ knowledge and their health seeking behavior about neonatal danger signs and associated factors in Fiche town, Oromia region, Ethiopia

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with knowledge and health seeking behavior of mothers about neonatal danger signs. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers living in Fiche town from November 1, 2018 to October 30, 2019. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were calculated and all results were deemed to be statistically significant when p < 0.05. Result: Among the 360 participants, 186 (51.7%) of mothers were found to have a good knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Having antenatal care follow-up [AOR = 6.35, 95% CI: 4.084, 17.206] and having college and above level of education [AOR = 2.071, CI: 1.311–14.690] were significantly associated with a good knowledge of neonatal danger sign and getting post-natal care was a predictor of good health seeking behavior [AOR = 3.720, 95%CI: 2.876, 13.377]. Conclusion: Antenatal care follow-up and mother's level of education were contributing factors for good knowledge of neonatal danger sign and post-natal care was a significant factor for health seeking behaviors of mothers. Therefore, the antenatal and post natal health care workers should educate mothers on various reproductive health issues.