A Two-Phase Pilot Study to Develop and Validate Data Collection Instruments and Protocols for Assessing Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact and Early Initiation of Breastfeeding Practices Among Mothers Delivering in Nigerian Primary Health Centers

HealthLearn, in partnership with Hanovia as a local survey partner in Nigeria, recently concluded a two-phase pilot study aimed at refining tools to assess immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) among mothers in Nigerian primary health facilities. The goal was to strengthen data collection methods ahead of a larger evaluation to determine whether online training on Newborn Care Foundations leads to better maternal and newborn health outcomes. The pilot tested the feasibility, clarity, and reliability of survey instruments in real-world settings, ensuring accurate and consistent measurement of these lifesaving practices.

Phase one involved preparatory work including tool design, ethical approvals, stakeholder engagement, and field team training. In Kano State, 36 new mothers were interviewed within two days of delivery while still admitted in health facilities. A follow-up survey was conducted 4–6 weeks later with 21 of these mothers to compare recall over time and validate the consistency of responses.

Phase two expanded the study to Ekiti and Kano States, enrolling 125 new mothers across Ekiti and Kano State for both initial and follow-up surveys to further validate the instruments and protocols.

Key findings were contextualized against national benchmarks, and a thorough review of both results and field processes was conducted to guide future large-scale evaluations. This pilot marks an essential step toward improving how newborn care practices are measured – and ultimately improved – in Nigeria.

 

Below are images from the field, showcasing survey administration, health worker collaboration, and engagements with mothers in participating facilities.