Exploring parental knowledge, care-seeking, and support strategies for neonatal illness: an integrative review of the African Great Lakes region.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa shoulders much of the global burden of neonatal mortality. Quality postnatal care is often lacking due to availability, accessibility, mistrust of health systems, and socio-economic barriers, yet delays in care-seeking contribute to avoidable neonatal deaths. Research highlights the urgent need for improved health education about neonatal illness; however, contextual factors are rarely considered, and few interventions have been implemented.

Objectives

To critically examine the literature on parents' knowledge of neonatal illness and care-seeking behaviour and evaluate interventions supporting parental understanding in sub-Saharan African Great Lakes countries.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Global Health,

SUBMITTER: Farrell S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11792144 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature