Surveying Awareness for Neonatal Skin Health and Skin Damage Prevention in Neonatal Care: A Cross-sectional Study among Pediatricians and Neonatologists from Gujarat

Abstract

Background

The neonatal period represents a critical developmental phase where skin health significantly impacts infant outcomes, particularly for preterm neonates with underdeveloped epidermal barriers.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey evaluated neonatal skin care awareness among 325 pediatricians/neonatologists in Gujarat, India, recruited through the National Neonatology Forum database. Participants completed a validated 25-item questionnaire assessing physiological knowledge, clinical recognition, preventive practices, and management strategies using mixed-methods analysis.

Results

Results demonstrated near-universal recognition of preterm skin fragility (98.77%) and stratum corneum functions (96.92%). However, critical gaps emerged in identifying clinical signs of skin damage, with only 50.77% correctly excluding increased skin temperature as an indicator. The study highlights a disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the necessity for context-specific training programs that integrate standardized assessment protocols. This work aims to fill critical gaps in Indian neonatal dermatology literature to optimize skin care practices for vulnerable preterm populations in resource-limited environments.