Improving Knowledge of Neonatal Resuscitation of Midwives in Primary Health Centres in Rivers State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Knowledge, Midwives, Neonatal resuscitation, primary Health center, NigeriaAbstract
Simulation-based training (SBT) promotes understanding and effective use of skills of neonatal resuscitation (NR). This study assessed the effectiveness of training on NR algorithm among midwives in Primary HealthCare (PHC) centres in Rivers State, Nigeria; with the aim of examining the effectiveness of SBT in improving of skills of NR algorithm among midwives in order to design SBT that would reduce new-born deaths arising from perinatal asphyxia. Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Orem’s Self-Care Nursing Theory was used. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design with a total population of 270 midwives, attached to the Rivers State PHC Management Board (RSPHCMB). A purposive method of sampling was used to get a sample of 79 midwives. Data was collected using an adapted and modified Paediatrics Association of Nigeria Conference (PANCOF) NRT (training) questionnaire and observation checklist. The PANCOF training questionnaire and observational checklist is a standardized instrument with high psychometric properties. Data analysis was done for socio-demographic data, research questions and hypotheses (tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance), using simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired T-test and ANCOVA respectively. Findings indicated SBT improved level of knowledge, behaviour and skills with pre-test and post-test means of 1.48 and 1.58; 2.42 and 3.91 and 1.42 and 1.65; mean gain of 0.10(3.3%), 1.49(23.5%) and 0.23(7.50%) for knowledge, behaviour and skills respectively. Also, results suggested t-value 5.821, 20.428 and 11.281; ANCOVA F-value (F= (13.378), df = 1/64, p<0.05) and (F= (54.123), df = 1/64, p<0.05), and (F= (7.244), df = 4/61, p<0.05); (F= 6.876, df = 4/61, p<0.05) and (F= (4.339), df = 4/61, p<0.05) was significant, however, previous NRT did not affect the improvement of skills as ANCOVA F-value (F= (1.509), df = 1/64, p>0.05) was insignificant. In conclusion, SBT is effective in improving the level of knowledge, behaviour and skills of NR algorithm among midwives. Therefore, continuous SBT is recommended to improve midwives’ effective use of the NR algorithm in PHC Centres in Rivers State, Nigeria.