Background of the Study
Birth asphyxia, defined as the insufficient supply of oxygen to a newborn at the time of birth, remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings such as Yobe State, Nigeria. The prevalence of birth asphyxia in Nigeria is disproportionately high, with significant regional disparities contributing to the poor outcomes observed in many northern states (Musa et al., 2024). Public health nurses (PHNs), who play an integral role in maternal and child health, are pivotal in preventing birth asphyxia by providing antenatal education, skilled birth attendance, early detection of risk factors, and post-delivery interventions.
In Yobe State, where healthcare infrastructure is often strained and there is limited access to specialized neonatal care, PHNs contribute significantly to preventing birth asphyxia through early identification of at-risk pregnancies, promoting institutional delivery, and ensuring that health facilities are equipped to handle emergency obstetric situations (Aliyu et al., 2023). The role of public health nurses includes educating pregnant women on recognizing warning signs, improving birth preparedness, and ensuring that essential neonatal resuscitation equipment is available and functional in healthcare settings.
Despite the critical role of public health nurses in preventing birth asphyxia, limited research exists on the effectiveness of their interventions in reducing birth asphyxia rates in Yobe State. This study seeks to assess the contributions of public health nurses in preventing birth asphyxia by evaluating their involvement in antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency response, and neonatal care in Yobe State.
Statement of the Problem
Birth asphyxia continues to be a leading cause of neonatal death in Yobe State, despite the presence of skilled healthcare professionals, including public health nurses, who play a crucial role in prevention. The effectiveness of public health nurses' interventions in preventing birth asphyxia in the state has not been adequately assessed. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of public health nurses on preventing birth asphyxia in Yobe State.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the role of public health nurses in preventing birth asphyxia in newborns in Yobe State.
2. To evaluate the impact of public health nurses' interventions in reducing the incidence of birth asphyxia in Yobe State.
3. To identify the challenges and barriers faced by public health nurses in preventing birth asphyxia in the state.
Research Questions
1. What role do public health nurses play in preventing birth asphyxia in Yobe State?
2. How effective are public health nurses' interventions in reducing the incidence of birth asphyxia in Yobe State?
3. What challenges do public health nurses face in preventing birth asphyxia in Yobe State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Public health nurses play a significant role in preventing birth asphyxia in Yobe State.
2. Public health nurses' interventions contribute to a reduction in the incidence of birth asphyxia in newborns in Yobe State.
3. Barriers such as inadequate training, lack of resources, and poor healthcare infrastructure hinder the effectiveness of public health nurses in preventing birth asphyxia in Yobe State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the role of public health nurses in preventing birth asphyxia in Yobe State, evaluating their interventions and identifying barriers. Limitations may include challenges in accessing remote healthcare facilities, variability in nursing practices, and difficulty in measuring long-term outcomes of interventions.
Definitions of Terms
• Birth Asphyxia: A condition in which a newborn does not receive enough oxygen at birth, leading to respiratory failure and potentially long-term neurological damage or death.
• Public Health Nurses: Nurses who work in the community or public health system to improve population health, particularly through education, prevention, and health promotion.
• Neonatal Resuscitation: Medical procedures carried out to revive a newborn who has experienced asphyxia or other birth-related complications.
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