Thực trạng kiến thức về chăm sóc bà mẹ sau sinh và trẻ sơ sinh của phụ nữ ở khu vực khó khăn tại huyện Võ Nhai, tỉnh Thái Nguyên năm 2025

Despite Vietnam's significant achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality, substantial disparities persist, particularly concerning ethnic minority groups in mountainous regions. The critical postpartum period often sees the highest rates of maternal and infant deaths. In disadvantaged areas like Vo Nhai district, Thai Nguyen province, geographical barriers, socio-economic challenges, and cultural beliefs further impede access to and understanding of essential healthcare. This study aims to describe the current state of "knowledge of postpartum and neonatal care" among women in this vulnerable region and identify the factors that influence their understanding, highlighting an urgent need for targeted health interventions.

Healthcare policymakers, public health professionals, maternal and child health program managers, and researchers focused on ethnic minority health in Vietnam.

This cross-sectional study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with 173 postpartum women and qualitative focus group discussions with six health workers in Vo Nhai district, Thai Nguyen. The research aimed to comprehensively assess knowledge levels regarding "postpartum and neonatal care" and associated influencing factors. Key findings revealed a significant knowledge gap, with only 42.2% of women possessing adequate knowledge of postpartum care and a notably lower 16.8% for neonatal care. Furthermore, recognition of postpartum danger signs was low (approximately 20%), although neonatal danger sign recognition was higher (72.8%). Statistical analysis identified the "Mong ethnic group", lower education levels, and being a farmer or housewife as significant factors associated with poorer knowledge. Health workers also highlighted the pervasive impact of cultural and social beliefs, low economic status, and challenging geographical access on knowledge acquisition. The study concludes that there is a critical need to enhance knowledge, particularly concerning danger signs, among women in this disadvantaged region. Addressing these inequalities in health information access requires culturally sensitive public health interventions, focusing on vulnerable groups like the "ethnic minority" population in "Thai Nguyen" to improve maternal and child health outcomes.