The effect of community health educational interventions on newborn survival in developing countries

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To compare the effectiveness of a health education strategy (vs. existing level of health education), imparted to mothers or their family members in developing country community settings, on neonatal mortality, neonatal morbidity, access to health care, and cost. We will conduct separate analyses according to the educational strategy used: One to one counselling vs. control Group counselling vs. control Any combination of the above vs. control One to one counselling vs. group counselling The following will be explored in sub‐group analyses: Duration and frequency of intervention: number of sessions or visits per person (or per group) per month Neonatal mortality rate at baseline: more than or equal to 30 per 1000 live‐births vs. less than 30 per 1000 live births Timing of intervention: pre‐conceptual, antenatal vs. post natal Who receives intervention: mothers, their spouses or other family members (such as mother in‐laws) Who provides counselling: support groups or peers, health professionals, traditional birth attendants, village health workers, etc.