Background of the Study
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or within five months postpartum, characterized by left ventricular systolic dysfunction without any other identifiable cause.
The condition poses significant risks to both maternal and neonatal health, including severe heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and even death. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes.
Nurses play a pivotal role in the care of patients with PPCM, encompassing responsibilities such as monitoring cardiovascular status, administering medications, providing patient education, and offering emotional support. Their knowledge and practices directly influence patient outcomes. In regions like Bauchi State, Nigeria, where healthcare resources may be limited, assessing nurses' understanding and management of PPCM is essential to identify gaps and implement targeted interventions.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role of nurses in managing PPCM, there is limited information regarding their knowledge and practices in Bauchi State. Inadequate understanding and suboptimal management of PPCM can lead to delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and increased morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the current state of nurses' knowledge and practices concerning PPCM in Bauchi State to inform future educational and policy initiatives.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of knowledge among nurses in Bauchi State regarding the etiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of peripartum cardiomyopathy.
2. To evaluate the current practices employed by these nurses in managing patients diagnosed with PPCM.
3. To identify barriers that hinder effective management of PPCM by nurses in Bauchi State.
Research Questions
1. What is the current level of knowledge among nurses in Bauchi State concerning peripartum cardiomyopathy?
2. What practices are currently employed by these nurses in the management of PPCM?
3. What barriers do nurses face in effectively managing patients with PPCM?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses in Bauchi State have limited knowledge regarding the etiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of peripartum cardiomyopathy.
2. The current practices employed by these nurses in managing PPCM are suboptimal.
3. There are significant barriers, including lack of resources and inadequate training, that hinder effective management of PPCM by nurses in Bauchi State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on registered nurses working in maternity and cardiology units across selected healthcare facilities in Bauchi State. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires and interviews to assess knowledge levels and management practices related to PPCM. Limitations may include potential biases in self-reported data, variability in practices across different institutions, and challenges in generalizing findings beyond the study population.
Definitions of Terms
• Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM): A form of heart failure characterized by left ventricular systolic dysfunction occurring during the last month of pregnancy or within five months postpartum, without any other identifiable cause.
• Nurses' Knowledge: The understanding that nurses possess regarding the etiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of PPCM.
• Nurses' Practices: The actions and interventions that nurses implement in the clinical management of patients diagnosed with PPCM.
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