The relationship between mothers' health literacy and their knowledge and attitudes towards newborn screening.

Newborn screening (NBS) aims to reduce morbidity, mortality, and long-term burden through early detection of asymptomatic but serious diseases. Maternal health knowledge is essential for reducing psychosocial consequences and supporting timely diagnosis. This study aimed to assess mothers’ health literacy and its association with their knowledge and attitudes toward newborn screening, along with other related factors. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study among mothers of children under five years of age who were admitted to a university hospital in Eskişehir province, Türkiye, between November and December 2024. A total of 512 mothers were included consecutively. Data were collected using a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, the Maternal Knowledge and Attitudes About Newborn Screening Scale (MKANSS), and the Health Literacy Scale (Short Form). Multiple linear regression analysis was used. The mean age was 32.4 ± 5.9 years. The mean MKANSS score was 16.01 ± 7.04 (median:16). Heel-prick tests, hearing, and vision screening were most frequently recognized. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher knowledge and more positive attitudes were associated with higher income, no consanguinity with spouse, knowledge of prenatal tests, awareness of NBS diseases, and receiving information from healthcare professionals. Higher health literacy was also associated with greater knowledge and more favourable attitudes. In conclusion, mothers showed moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward newborn screening. Socioeconomic and informational factors, particularly health literacy, were strong predictors. Improving maternal health literacy through antenatal counseling and accessible educational materials could enhance participation in screening programs.