Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39815231›Full record

SynthesisBMC pediatrics2025

A qualitative systematic review of umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria.

Precious Ebube Anyakorah, Florence Chinelo Aguna, David Chinaecherem Innocent, Anthony Chinonso Uwandu-Uzoma, Uzochukwu Godswill Ekeleme, Chidera Chisom Obasi, Stanley Chinedu Eneh, Chidinma Peace Ahunam, Ihuoma Chimdimma Dike, Vivian Chidimma Maduekwe and 6 more

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC pediatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

16 authors.

Precious Ebube AnyakorahDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. ebypresh1@gmail.com.
Florence Chinelo AgunaDepartment of Dental Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
David Chinaecherem InnocentDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Anthony Chinonso Uwandu-UzomaDepartment of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK.
Uzochukwu Godswill EkelemeDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Chidera Chisom ObasiDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Stanley Chinedu EnehDepartment of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Chidinma Peace AhunamDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Ihuoma Chimdimma DikeDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Vivian Chidimma MaduekweDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Oluwaseunayo Deborah AyandoDepartment of Public Health, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Chinazaekpere Oguguo DurujiDepartment of Health Promotions, Community Healthcare Network Hospital, Isiala Mbano, Imo state, Nigeria.
Rejoicing Chijindum InnocentDepartment of Pharmacy, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Princess Chidiebube UwaezuokeDepartment of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Oluwafunmilayo Opeyemi AdenugaDepartment of Public Health, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Chiagoziem Ogazirilem EmeroleDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundUmbilical cord care is an important aspect of newborn health, and different practices exist around the world, often influenced by cultural, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize current literature on umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with an emphasis on the impact of cultural beliefs, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors.

methodsA comprehensive search for literature was performed across PubMED, MEDLINE and Google scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2023. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was followed for the execution of this study. Eligibility criteria included only English studies investigating umbilical cord care practices in Nigeria, with outcomes connected to cultural, healthcare, or socioeconomic factors. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to critically appraise the quality and rigor of selected studies. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies (qualitative and quantitative), qualitative narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the studies in a textual format for comprehensive understanding.

resultsA total of 11 included studies were found out of 1532 studies. The findings reveal a range of cord care practices, emphasizing the use of various methods such as methylated spirit, hot compresses, and indigenous substances. Cultural beliefs, a lack of healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic circumstances all have a big impact on cord care decisions. Disparities in knowledge and adherence to evidence-based procedures are noticeable, particularly in the use of chlorhexidine gel. Infections continue to be a problem, highlighting the significance of appropriate therapies.

conclusionThis systematic review offers a comprehensive perspective of Nigerian umbilical cord care practices, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive educational interventions, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and targeted legislative measures. Despite its limitations, the study is an important resource for guiding future research, policy creation, and interventions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Nigeria.

Indexed as

Umbilical CordHumansInfant, NewbornNigeriaQualitative ResearchSocioeconomic FactorsCultural practicesHealthcare infrastructureNigeriaSocioeconomic factorsUmbilical cord

Identifiers

PMID39815231
PMCPMC11734515

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.