Background of the Study
Maternal healthcare remains a critical concern in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, where maternal mortality rates are high. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses with specialized training who can significantly contribute to enhancing maternal health services. Their roles encompass providing antenatal care, managing deliveries, and offering postpartum support. Assessing the impact of NPs in this context is essential for informing healthcare policies and improving maternal outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts to improve maternal health, Kano State continues to face challenges such as inadequate access to skilled healthcare providers and disparities between urban and rural healthcare services. The integration of NPs into maternal healthcare services could address these issues, but their specific contributions and effectiveness in this region have not been thoroughly evaluated.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the current involvement of nurse practitioners in maternal healthcare services in Kano State.
2. To assess the impact of NPs on maternal health outcomes, including antenatal care utilization, delivery practices, and postpartum care.
3. To identify barriers and facilitators affecting the effectiveness of NPs in maternal healthcare delivery.
Research Questions
1. What roles do nurse practitioners currently play in maternal healthcare services in Kano State?
2. How do NPs influence maternal health outcomes in terms of service utilization and quality of care?
3. What challenges and opportunities exist for optimizing the role of NPs in maternal healthcare?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurse practitioners significantly improve the utilization and quality of maternal healthcare services in Kano State.
2. The presence of NPs is associated with better maternal health outcomes, including reduced maternal mortality and morbidity rates.
3. Barriers such as limited resources, policy constraints, and cultural factors affect the effectiveness of NPs in maternal healthcare delivery.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on healthcare facilities in both urban and rural areas of Kano State, examining the roles and impact of nurse practitioners in maternal health services. Data will be collected through interviews, surveys, and analysis of health records. Limitations may include variability in NP training and practice, as well as potential biases in self-reported data.
Definitions of Terms
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Advanced practice registered nurses with specialized education and training in providing healthcare services, including diagnosis and management of medical conditions.
• Maternal Healthcare Services: Comprehensive care provided to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period to ensure the health of both mother and child.
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