Basis for Enhancement of Nursing Concept and Skills: Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Nurses on Essential Newborn Care

Abstract

Background: The development and implementation of the Department of Health’s Unang Yakap or Essential Newborn Care Protocol in 2009 encouraged the health facilities, both government and private, to standardize newborn care practices as well as its proper sequencing based on current evidences that show reduction in neonatal morbidity and mortality. (DOH PPDCPM, 2016). Attitudes of healthcare workers also contribute to how one execute the Essential care. Purpose: Assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses on District hospitals on Essential Newborn Care to contribute to the nursing service in participating to updates and trainings of Essential Newborn Care. Methods: The descriptive correlation study was utilized in the study to determine the assessment on knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses regarding Essential Newborn Care protocol. A total of 146 participants of the study. Result: The result shows that 60.2% of Filipino nurses age range around 20-29 years old. This age group are considered to be at their peak of searching for clinical experience and career enhancement opportunities. The lowest age group was 51 years old and above, which is considered almost as close to retirement age. Conclusion: The level of district nurses’ Knowledge on Essential Newborn care and some of the vital aspects on it is low due to lack of proper training of the involved nurses. Recommendation: some unnecessary and deficient procedures need to be re-taught to achieve excellent execution of Essential New-born Care protocol.