Neonatal Resuscitation: Knowledge And Practice Of Nurses In Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background. Appropriate resuscitation techniques are crucial to the survival of newborn infants.
Objective. To assess knowledge of nurses in western Nigeria about neonatal resuscitation.
Method. A cross-sectional survey of the nurses attached to secondary health facilities in western Nigeria was done using a closed-ended questionnaire that tested evaluation and appropriate action aspects of neonatal resuscitation.
Results. One hundred and seventy-nine nurses were interviewed. Of these, 72.6% had worked in the labour room and the special care baby unit within the last 5 years while only 14.0% had attended neonatal resuscitation training course within the last 5 years. Similarly, 31.8%, 53.1%, 58.1% and 35.2% had access to radiant warmers, ambu-bags, suction machine and oxygen delivery units, respectively. The knowledge of the respondents was better for evaluation than for appropriate action (95.5% v. 49.7%).
Conclusion. The knowledge of the respondents about appropriate actions to be taken during neonatal resuscitation was poor. Frequent and intensive courses on neonatal resuscitation are highly desired.

South African Journal of Child Health Vol. 2 (1) 2008: pp. 23-25