Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among midwives at Kampala International University Hospital
to assess their knowledge and practices on neonatal resuscitation. A sample size of 30 midwives was used. Midwives
were selected by using a systematic sampling technique including all midwives who work in the maternity ward and
neonatal intensive care unit. More than half 16(53.3%) of the midwives were between 20 – 30 years, and only 1(3.3%)
was above 50 years of age. All 30(100%) of the respondents were females. Half 15(50%) of the midwives were enrolled
with a certificate in midwifery, 9(30%) were registered midwives, 3(10%) were certificate holders in comprehensive
nursing and another 3(10%) were Bachelor holders in nursing sciences. The majority of the midwives 25(83.3%) had
last trained in neonatal resuscitation at the nursing school, 3(10%) had last trained in a workshop while only 2(6.7%)
had last trained in a CME/CNE. Almost all midwives were knowledgeable about the resuscitation steps of a
newborn. The respondents had some knowledge of how to place a face mask on the neonate’s face. The majority of
the midwives 18(60%) evaluated respirations, heart rate, and color of the neonate while 12(40%) were not observed
to monitor heart rate. Three quarters 21(70%) of the midwives were observed correctly providing positive pressure
ventilation with a resuscitation bag with supplemental oxygen, and a third 9(30%) did not administer epinephrine
with continued ventilation and chest compression. The maternity and neonatal intensive care units were equipped
with almost all the required resuscitation equipment except the cardiac monitor, carbon dioxide detector
(capnograph), and naloxone hydrochloride injection. The researcher concluded that the majority of the midwives
had substantial good knowledge of neonatal resuscitation and despite the good knowledge, a significant proportion
of them 12(40%) lacked skilled practices on resuscitation.