Observational Study on Standard Practices of Nurses in Birth Asphaxia Management at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Neonatal mortality is the death of newborn baby in first 28 days of life. Approximately 1 million newborn die in early 24 hours and 2 million more will be die in next 7 days of birth. Birth asphyxia is a medical condition which results due to lack of oxygen to newborn and last for long time, causing different morbidities and physical harm. It is the third major cause of newborn death, according to world health organization.
Aim: Aim of the study was to observe the practices of nurses for adherence on standard protocols towards birth asphyxia management.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The population was n=153 nurses, working in labour room and nursery. Study duration was 4months. Data was collected by observational checklist consisted of 19 items to observe the practices of nurses. Data was analyzed by the categories of the < 60 show poor practices, 61-74 gives average while > 75 show good practices. Ethical approval was taken from participants as in written consent.
Results: Majority of Nurses 83% Nurses having experience above 10 years and show good practices towards management of birth asphyxia and 38% have good practices having age 25 years to 34 years. While the nurses having experience of less than five years 44% and age under 24 years (11%) show poor practices.
Conclusion: Early detection of Birth asphyxia and management is critical to reduce neonatal mortality. Experienced nurses show good practices but there was some problems due to which standard protocols could not followed, as lack of staff nurses, bad attitude, lack of equipments and overburdened.