Evaluation of neonatal nesuscitation practice and associated factors among nurses in delivery suites at Regional Referral Hospitals In Ruvuma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of early newborn mortality in resource-limited countries. Despite interventions, many sub-Saharan African countries still experience neonatal deaths due to inadequate resuscitation skills among health care providers. Timely and adequately performed resuscitation can prevent more neonatal deaths resulting from birth asphyxia. Aim: The study evaluated neonatal resuscitation practices and associated factors among nurses working in delivery rooms with the aim of identifying gaps and develop interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality due to birth asphyxia, ultimately improving neonatal care. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed in two regional referral hospitals in Ruvuma. A total of 60 nurses working in delivery suites were conveniently sampled. Neonatal resuscitation practice was first assessed on a newborn mannequin, followed by assessment of knowledge level using a standard observation checklist and self-administered questionnaires respectively. Proportion was used to grade knowledge level and quality of resuscitation practice. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analyses were used to measure the association between variables with level of significance considered at p-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Out of 60 nurses evaluated for neonatal resuscitation practice, only 7(11.7%) had adequate resuscitation practice. Availability of essential equipment (AOR=18.26; CI: 1.92-174.01; P=0.012) and formal training (AOR = 7.35; CI: 1.00-53.82; p=0.05) were strong predictors of adequate newborn resuscitation practice. Conclusion and recommendations: The study revealed that nurses' newborn resuscitation practice is inadequate, with the availability of appropriate equipment and formal training being key predictors of adequate practice. To improve skills, regular refresher trainings and supportive supervision are needed, along with adequate equipment accessibility.