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 the 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 close-ended questionnaire which 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 compared to appropriate action (95.5% vs 49.7%).
Conclusion: The knowledge of the respondents about appropriate actions to be taken during neonatal resuscitation was low. Frequent and intensive courses on neonatal resuscitation are highly desired.