Diaper use practices among mothers – an urban-rural comparison: a narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20262439Keywords:
Diaper use, Urban–rural mothers, Mothers' knowledge, Infant hygiene, Diaper dermatitisAbstract
Diaper usage is a crucial aspect of infant care, yet disparities in maternal knowledge and practices exist across different socio-geographic settings. This narrative review explored and synthesised existing literature on diaper use practices among mothers, focusing specifically on urban-rural differences. Electronic databases, including Google scholar and PubMed, were searched for relevant recent studies using keywords such as “diaper use practices,” “diaper dermatitis,” “infant hygiene,” “urban,” and “rural.” Studies focusing on maternal knowledge and practices were included and analysed thematically. The findings revealed consistent differences between the two demographics: urban mothers generally demonstrated greater awareness of hygiene, optimal diaper-changing frequency, and diaper dermatitis prevention. Conversely, rural mothers exhibited significant knowledge gaps, particularly regarding proper disposal methods and rash prevention. Socioeconomic status, maternal education level, and access to health information emerged as the primary influencing factors driving these disparities. In conclusion, significant urban-rural gaps in maternal diapering practices underscore a critical need for targeted health education interventions, particularly in rural communities. Integrating comprehensive diaper care and hygiene education into routine maternal and child health services could effectively bridge this gap, ultimately improving infant hygiene and health outcomes across diverse populations.
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References
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