Initial Steps in Resuscitation of Suspected Birth Asphyxia in the Context of Nursing and Midwifery: A Quantitative Study in Upper East Region of Ghana

Background: A newborn’s inability to initiate and maintain breathing immediately after birth is referred to as birth asphyxia. In developed countries, the incidence of Birth Asphyxia is 2 per 1000 births, but in developing countries, the rate can be up to 10 times higher than that figure. Globally, 130 million babies are born each year, with Birth Asphyxia accounting for 20.9 percent of all neonatal deaths occurring within the first four weeks of life during this period. Approximately 10% of these babies require some form of assistance to breathe when they are born. Nurses and midwives must have a high level of expertise in the management of birth asphyxia in order to avoid further complications.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used to assess the management of Birth Asphyxia among Nurses and Midwives at the maternity department of War Memorial Hospital. Convenient sampling technique was used to select study subjects and the sample size was determined using sample size determination table.

Results: Of the total 80, 79 (98.8%) of the respondents had knowledge on the standard guidelines and protocols for the management of Birth Asphyxia. Nurses and midwives who were trained, thus 60 out of the total 80 respondents (75%), were more likely to have knowledge of Birth Asphyxia management as compared to those who didn’t get training. The study revealed that 98.8% of nurses and midwives had knowledge of birth asphyxia management.

Conclusions: More than half of these health professionals had training on the management of Birth Asphyxia. Frequent trainings were recommended to improve knowledge of nurses and midwives on Birth Asphyxia management.