ABSTRACT
Abitria, Sherie A., Albaytar, Roland 14., Alvarez, Melaney Mercy A., Ante, Katrine Angela C. "KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF MOTHERS OF NEWBORN SCREENING AT DR. FERNANDO B. DURAN SR. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL", (An unpublished Undergraduate Thesis, Aquinas University of Legazpi City, April 2014)

This is a quantitative study that aimed to determine the knowledge level of mothers on Newborn Screening at Dr. Fernando B. Duran Senior Memorial I lospital. The study sought answers to the following problems: What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of age, civil status, religion, educational attainment, occupation; What is the knowledge level of the respondents to Newborn Screening? What are the factors affecting the mothers from acquiring more knowledge about Newborn Screening and what are the measures that may proposed to enhance the knowledge level of the respondents on NBS. The questionnaires were given to the respondents individually who are the mothers who delivered normally within 24 hours to 48 hours and 7 days for mothers who delivered premature baby at DFBDSMH that is under hospitalization during the time of the visit on August 1 to August 30, 2013. The study utilized various related literature and related studies which provided discussion on certain concepts and theories that supported the study. The research used the theory of Jean Piaget's Cognitive Development and Casey Model of Nursing by Anne Casey in
establishing some concepts and ideas about the knowledge level and awareness of each individual specifically the mothers about the disease prevention, and health promotion for her child.

This study employed the descriptive type of research utilizing survey questionnaire as a tool in data gathering. The study used the primary and secondary sources. The total number of respondents was 35. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, ranking, mean and modified Likert Scale were used for the interpretation of data. Based on the gathered data, the following findings were drawn: 1.) In terms of age, nine or 26% were 26 — 30 years old which means that most of that respondents belong to this age group and none were 46 years old and above. In terms of civil status, the respondents were mostly married with eighteen or 51% and seventeen or 49% were
single. In terms of religion, most of the respondents were Roman Catholics which constitute twenty three or 91% because majority practice this religion. In terms of educational attainment, nine or 26% were elementary graduate and five or 14% were college graduate. In terms of occupation, most of the respondents were housewives which constitutes twenty eight or 80% and five or 14% had other occupations. 2.) The respondents were moderately knowledgeable regarding Newborn screening as a public health program for identification of disorder that can lead to mental retardation and death, which got a mean of 2.57. With a mean of 2.51, the respondents were moderately knowledgeable of the procedure of Newborn Screening which begins within 24 to 48 hours of a child's birth. Another procedure of Newborn Screening which obtained few drops of blood for specimen through heel — pricked method got a mean of 2.8; meaning the respondents were moderately knowledgeable. The respondents were only somewhat knowledgeable on Newborn Screening as a Republic Act to ensure all parents to recognize their responsibility in promoting their child's right to health with a mean of 2.2. The respondents were also only somewhat knowledgeable about the Newborn Screening as a program which offers opportunities to neonates to be tested for disorder which maybe inherited infections or caused by medical problems of the mother but are often not
apparent at birth and got a weighted mean of 2.57. Newborn Screening offers preventive health service available to all neonates, the respondents were moderately knowledgeable and got a weighted mean of 2.77. Regarding follow — up programs that are arranged for diagnostic tests to confirm the Newborn Screening result, the respondents were somewhat knowledgeable and got a weighted mean of 2.43. 3.) Twenty two or 63% of the respondents said that prenatal check up was the number one source of information on newborn screening information because mothers would subject themselves to a monthly check up and it is the best time to be oriented about newborn screening; fifteen or 43% from midwife and family members; eleven or 31% from the nurses and ten or 29% from the Television or radio; seven or 20% from the obstetrician; both the pediatrician and friends ranked 6.5 with five or 14%; four or 11% from the internet site and three or 9% from Books; The least source of information on newborn screening was from the family physician which got two or 6% because not all mothers can afford checkups with their own physician. 4.) Concerning the factors that affect the knowledge level of the respondents, the respondents' lack of knowledge regarding the benefit of newborn screening which got a rating of sixteen or 46% was the number one cause of hindrance; meaning, the respondents should be educated about the screening test. Thirteen or 37% said that it was because of the high cost of newborn screening. Ten or 29% was because of the parents' refusal to have their newborn screened-for unknown reasons. Seven or 20% of the respondents answered because of the lack of support from the government regarding newborn screening program and three or 9% were because of the absence of newborn screening.

Based on the findings, the following conclusions were made: 1.) Most of the respondents belong to the age group of 26-30 years old, married, Roman Catholics, highschool undergraduates, and are housewives. 2.) The respondents moderately knowledgeable regarding Newborn screening as a public health program for identification of disorder that can lead to mental retardation and death. The respondents moderately knowledgeable of the procedure of Newborn Screening which begins within 24 to 48 hours of a child's birth. On another procedure of Newborn Screening which obtained few drops of blood for specimen through heel — pricked method the respondents were moderately knowledgeable. The respondents were only somewhat knowledgeable on Newborn Screening as a Republic Act to ensure all parents to recognize their responsibility in promoting their child's right to health. The respondents were also only
somewhat knowledgeable about Newborn Screening as a program which offers opportunities to neonates to be tested for disorder which maybe inherited infections or caused by medical problems of the mother but are often not apparent at birth. Newborn Screening offers preventive health service available to all neonates and the respondents were moderately knowledgeable. Regarding follow — up programs that are arranged for diagnostic tests to confirm the Newborn Screening result, the respondents were somewhat knowledgeable. 3.) Most of the respondents said that the prenatal check up was the number one source of information for newborn screening, next were the midwives and family members, the nurses and television or radio. Other sources of information were obstetrician, pediatrician, friends, the internet site, books and the least was the family physician. 4.) The greatest factor that affected the respondents was the insufficient explanation by the health care provider regarding newborn screening, next was the lack of interest because of its cost or price, family influence or belief, Information, education and communication materials are written in language not readily understood by recipients or respondents, and educational qualification. Based on the conclusions, the study offers the following recommendations: 1.) The Department of Health should take the lead in orienting health workers and other stakeholders (i.e. academe, media, and family members) to take part in informing mothers on newborn screening and provide avenues for discussion and dissemination of information to the target clienteles. 2.) The government should prioritize enrolment of all poor families to Philhealth in order to avail of the free newborn screening services among others. 4.) Local chief executives should ensure that newborn screening services and information are available to mothers in their localities.