Knowledge and practice of basic neonatal resuscitation and its associated factors among nurses and midwives in government health facilities in North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Neonatal resuscitation is a critical intervention that reduces morbidity and mortality among neonates suffering from asphyxia. However, evidence regarding the knowledge and practice of neonatal resuscitation among nurses and midwives is limited in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and practice of basic neonatal resuscitation and its associated factors among nurses and midwives working in government health facilities in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 nurses and midwives from May to August 2023. A simple random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the characteristics of the participants. A logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with the knowledge and practice of the study participants. Statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05.

Results: Good knowledge regarding neonatal resuscitation was reported by 34.4% of the study participants with 95% confidence interval (CI): 28.1%–41.3%). Only 25.0% (95% CI: 18.1%–33.1%) of the participants demonstrated good practice in neonatal resuscitation. Having a Bachelor degree (AOR: 6.6; 95% CI: 2.1–20.5), receiving neonatal resuscitation training (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.6–8.3), receiving supportive supervision (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.6–9.3), and the availability of neonatal resuscitation guidelines (AOR: 7.1; 95% CI: 3.0–16.9) were significantly associated with a good knowledge score. Having a good attitude (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1–6.7), fully equipped material for resuscitation (AOR: 9.3; 95% CI: 3.5–24.6), and receiving supportive supervision (AOR: 9.2; 95% CI: 3.1–27.1) were significantly associated with good practice.

Conclusion: Neonatal resuscitation knowledge and practice among nurses and midwives were found to be inadequate. Therefore, vital interventions are required, particularly those targeting participants with lower educational status, a poor attitude, a lack of training and supportive supervision, and the unavailability of guidelines and necessary equipment for resuscitation.