To Örebro University

Objective: To investigate place of delivery, umbilical cord-cutting instruments used, and substances applied to the cord stump in Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional data analysis was performed on a nationally representative sample of 4925 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) with at least 1 child.

Results: More than 80% of women delivered at home. In 6% of cases, blades from a clean-delivery kit (CDK) were used to cut the cord; in 90% of cases, the blades used were from another source; in 4% of cases, other instruments such as bamboo strips and scissors were used to cut the cord. In 51% of cases, a substance (e.g. antibiotic powder/ointment, alcohol/spirit, mustard oil with garlic, boric powder, turmeric, and chewed rice) was applied to the stump after the cord was cut.

Conclusion: The present findings underscore the need for further advocacy, availability, and use of cord-cutting instruments from CDKs, especially for deliveries that occur outside healthcare facilities.