Newborn resuscitation: Knowledge and practice among nurses in the labour ward and maternity theatre at a Tertiary Hospital in Kenya

Abstract

Background: The morbidity and mortality from perinatal asphyxia can greatly be reduced by effective newborn resuscitation. The study  aimed to determine the knowledge and practices of nurses in Kenyatta National Hospital in the resuscitation of newborn babies relative  to the set international guidelines.

Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among nurses practicing in the  Kenyatta National Hospital maternity theatre and labour wards. The study subjects were assessed on knowledge through a standardized questionnaire and on practice using a guiding checklist. Resuscitation practice was assessed three times for each midwife.  

Results: The knowledge of newborn resuscitation was low. Appropriate interventions diminished as more advanced care was required,  with the most inappropriately performed practice being the ventilation of the newborn using an appropriate bag valve mask device.  Good knowledge of newborn resuscitation, however, did not have a significant effect on practice. Attendance of newborn resuscitation  courses did have a significant influence on practice. Concerning standard practice, less than half (47.19%) of the resuscitation episodes  analyzed were regarded as appropriate practice per set guidelines.

Conclusion: Midwives in maternity theatre and labour wards should  be adequately trained in newborn life support (NLS), emphasizing regular practical drills to improve their knowledge and practice of  newborn resuscitation.