A Study of Parental Knowledge and Confidence in Newborn Care

신생아 부모의 양육지식과 양육자신감에 관한 연구

Purpose: To explore the level of and relationship between parental knowledge and confidence in newborn care. Method: The sample of this study was consisted of 113 newborn's parents. Data was collected by researcher from Oct. 28th to Dec. 18th, 2002. Data were analyzed SPSS WIN(10.0) Program. Result: Total score of parents knowledge: Father's mean was 13.59(SD=5.32) and Mother's mean was 17.55(SD=3.72). There was meaningful difference in knowledge about newborn care between father and mother. The mother's knowledge was significant higher than the father's(t=6.45, p=.000). Total score of parents of newborn confidence: Father's mean was 40.66(SD=7.34) and Mother's mean was 41.88(SD=7.23). There was no difference in confidence in newborn care between father and mother(t=1.26, p=.209). There was significant correlation between knowledge and confidence about newborn care of fathers(r=.331, p<.001) and mothers(r=.317, p<.01). Conclusion: There is a need to educate fathers to enhance their knowledge about newborn care. More research is needed to study the relationship between parental knowledge and accuracy of behavior regarding newborn care.