Assessment of newborn resuscitation practice by nurses in Machakos level 5 hospital, Machakos county, Kenya.

ABSTRACT

The first minute after birth is usually referred to as the golden minute, and the baby should be able to initiate spontaneous breathing, failure to which birth asphyxia ensues. Globally, approximately 5% to 10 per cent of newborns require resuscitation. In subSaharan Africa where over one third of all intrapartum related neonatal deaths occur, the rates of skilled attendance at birth are very low. In Kenya neonatal mortality remains at 22/100,000 live births, majority associated with poor resuscitation. This study sought to assess neonatal resuscitation practice among nurses in Machakos Level 5 Hospital, in Machakos County, Kenya. The study aimed at identifying individual, knowledge and health system factors that influences practice of neonatal resuscitation among nurses. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study population included nurses working in Machakos level 5 hospital in Machakos County. The study sampled 201 nurses involved in neonatal resuscitation who were interviewed. Quantitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires from selected nurses through systematic random sampling at a predetermined interval of 2. Every second respondent was selected for interview until the required sample was reached for interviewing. Qualitative data was collected using key informant interview schedules with 6 selected Key Informants. Key informants were purposively selected for inclusion in the study. The researcher sought all required approvals from relevant authorities and ensured study participants gave an informed consent prior to the conduct of the study. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 with the aid of Microsoft Excel program to generate frequency tables, graphs and pie-charts. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis and results triangulated with quantitative data as direct quotes or narrations. To test the association between study variables, Chi-Square tests done was at 95% confidence interval (p