Newborn resuscitation: knowledge and practice among midwives in Kenyatta National Hospital labour ward and maternity theatre.
Abstract
Background: Perinatal asphyxia is one of the most common diagnoses made in our
Newborn unit. Morbidity and mortality from perinatal asphyxia can greatly be reduced
by effective newborn resuscitation. Opiyo et al in 2007 conducted a study at Pumwani
Maternity Hospital, Nairobi, which demonstrated that newborn resuscitation practice
improved following a one day training of health workers at the facility. The study we
undertook was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which was conducted on midwives
practising in the Kenyatta National Hospital maternity theatre and labour wards. The
aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and practices in newborn
resuscitation by this group of nurses, and to determine whether there were any
knowledge and/or practice gaps in the resuscitation of the newborn as compared to the
set international guidelines.
Methods and Principal Findings: The study subjects (midwives in maternity theatre
and labour ward) were assessed on knowledge through a standardized questionnaire
and on practice using a guiding checklist. Resuscitation practice was assessed three
times on each midwife. Simple frequencies were used to estimate the proportion of
midwives performing newborn resuscitation. The adjusted chi-square test for binary
variables, was used to compare demographic and other factors between the midwives
who performing newborn resuscitation correctly versus those who did not.
Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent correlates of
correct newborn resuscitative practices.
Utility: This study helped us highlight some of the knowledge and practice gaps
amongst the midwives practicing in our maternity units and therefore, based on the
results, recommendations on how to address the findings have been proposed.
Citation
Degree Of Masters In Medicine In Paediatrics And Child HealthPublisher
University Of Nairobi
Description
A Dissertation Submitted In Part Fulfillment
For The Degree Of Masters In Medicine In
Paediatrics And Child Health; University Of
Nairobi.