Background of the Study
Obstetric emergencies are a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings (WHO, 2023). Effective management of obstetric emergencies requires skilled healthcare providers who possess both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in handling life-threatening conditions such as postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, obstructed labor, and sepsis (Ameh et al., 2023). Nurses play a critical role in obstetric emergency care, often being the first responders in life-threatening maternal conditions, making their level of knowledge and clinical preparedness vital for improving maternal outcomes (Balde et al., 2024).
State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, is a referral center for maternal healthcare services, catering to a high volume of obstetric cases. Despite the hospital's crucial role in emergency obstetric care, challenges such as inadequate training, limited resources, and suboptimal clinical practices persist, potentially affecting the quality of care provided to mothers in emergency situations (Mohammed et al., 2024). Studies indicate that gaps in nurses' knowledge and skills in obstetric emergency care contribute to poor maternal outcomes, particularly in under-resourced settings (Okafor et al., 2023).
While global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to reduce maternal mortality, the effectiveness of these efforts relies on the competence of frontline healthcare providers, including nurses. However, research focusing on the knowledge and practical application of obstetric emergency care among nurses in Nigeria, particularly at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, is limited (Sulaiman & Adewale, 2024). This study, therefore, seeks to evaluate nurses' knowledge and practice of obstetric emergency care, identifying areas of strength and gaps that require intervention to improve maternal health outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with inadequate emergency obstetric care being one of the leading causes of preventable deaths (UNFPA, 2024). Despite efforts to improve maternal health, challenges such as delays in recognizing complications, poor emergency response, and lack of adherence to standard clinical guidelines continue to impede progress (Eze et al., 2023). Nurses, as primary healthcare providers, are expected to demonstrate competence in obstetric emergency care, yet many lack access to continuous training and standardized protocols (Adamu et al., 2023).
At State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, anecdotal reports suggest varying levels of knowledge and practice among nurses regarding emergency obstetric care, leading to inconsistent patient outcomes. Previous studies have indicated that nurses' inadequate knowledge and limited experience in handling emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage and eclampsia significantly contribute to preventable maternal deaths (Ibrahim et al., 2023). However, there is a paucity of empirical research evaluating the specific knowledge and practical competencies of nurses in this hospital. Understanding these factors is crucial for designing targeted training programs and improving emergency obstetric care.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess nurses' knowledge of obstetric emergency care at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi.
2. To evaluate the practical application of emergency obstetric care skills among nurses at the hospital.
3. To identify factors influencing nurses' knowledge and practice of obstetric emergency care at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of nurses' knowledge regarding obstetric emergency care at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi?
2. How effectively do nurses apply obstetric emergency care skills in clinical practice?
3. What factors influence nurses' knowledge and practice of obstetric emergency care at the hospital?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge and the quality of obstetric emergency care provided at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi.
2. Nurses with higher levels of training in emergency obstetric care demonstrate better practical application of skills.
3. Institutional and resource-related factors significantly influence nurses' ability to provide effective obstetric emergency care.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the obstetrics and gynecology department at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi. It will assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to emergency obstetric care. The study will be limited by potential response biases, availability of training records, and variations in clinical exposure among participants. Additionally, findings may not be generalizable to other healthcare facilities with different levels of resources and staffing.
Definitions of Terms
• Obstetric Emergency Care: The immediate medical response to life-threatening maternal conditions such as postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, and obstructed labor.
• Maternal Mortality: The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy due to complications related to pregnancy or its management.
• Clinical Competence: The ability of healthcare providers to effectively apply knowledge and skills in patient care.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
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