Despite advances in neonatal care, infections remain a leading cause of preventable neonatal deaths in Nigeria. This study investigated the knowledge and preventive behaviour towards neonatal infection-prevention strategies mothers in selected Special Baby Care Units in Yenagoa Metropolis. The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional design with a population consisting of all mothers of neonates admitted to Special Baby Care Units (SBCUs). A sample of 41 mothers were selected using the multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection in this study was a structured questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.86. The instrument was developed by the researcher in line with the study objectives and informed by a thorough review of relevant literature on neonatal infection prevention. Data collection was carried out in two phases: pre-intervention and post-intervention. Data was analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Product for Service Solution version 25.0, using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Almost all respondents recognized the importance of hand hygiene before handling the baby (95.1%), prompt hospital visit when the baby is sick (97.6%), and immunization (90.2%). However, misconceptions were observed, as 68.3% believed applying substances on the umbilical cord promotes healing, and nearly half (48.8%) thought bathing the baby immediately after birth prevents infection. The majority consistently washed their hands before breastfeeding (73.2%), ensured immunization according to schedule (78.0%), and strictly followed medical advice when their babies were unwell (78.0%). However, lower compliance was observed in delaying the first bath for 24 hours (61.0%) and practicing skin-to-skin contact (58.5%). It was recommended that Nurses and other healthcare workers should continue to provide structured and regular health education on neonatal infection-prevention strategies to mothers, particularly emphasizing areas of misconception such as cord care and timing of the first bath.

Keywords:  Behaviour, Knowledge, Prevention, Neonate, Infection.