African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 8 (5), pp. 001-011, May, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Nursing education and workforce development: Implications for maternal health in Anambra State, Nigeria

Mabel Chiemeka Ezeonwu

Nursing and Health Studies, University of Washington Bothell, 18115 Campus Way NE Bothell WA 98011, USA. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 425-352-3815. Fax: 425-352-3237.

Accepted 22 January, 2020

Abstract

The relationship between nursing and maternal health presents a legitimate policy discussion. In this qualitative descriptive study, the views of nurse experts on the current status of nursing and midwifery education, and workforce development issues as they relate to maternal health in Nigeria was explored. Focus was on experts as they constitute important players in policy decisions related to nursing workforce and maternal health services delivery. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze interview data. The findings of this study indicated that nursing and midwifery schools utilize a rigorous curriculum mandated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). It was also found that nursing workforce development is plagued by pedagogical issues, gender issues, and multi-faceted health systems challenges. These findings suggest that Nigerian nursing workforce is highly unstable and broader policies on workforce training, recruitment and retention are needed to improve maternal health outcomes.

Key words: Nursing education, midwifery education, nursing workforce development, health policies, maternal health, Nigeria.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-007, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The prevalence, management and outcome of primary postpartum haemorrhage in selected health care facilities in Nigeria

A. E. Olowokere*, O. A. Adekeye, A. Ogunfowokan, O. E. Olagunju and O. O. Irinoye

Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

Accepted 05 February, 2020

Abstract

One of the millennium development goals set by the United Nations is to reduce maternal mortality by three quarters by 2015. The achievement of this goal must focus on understanding the dynamics of the causes of maternal mortality and removing such causes. Postpartum haemorrhage ranks high among the causes of maternal mortality, especially in Nigeria. This study was designed to determine the prevalence, management and outcome of postpartum haemorrhage in selected health care settings. This study was a retrospective analysis of cases of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in selected health care facilities from primary, secondary and tertiary health care levels in Ile-Ife, Nigeria between January, 2004 and December, 2008. The prevalence of PPH during the study period was 1.6, 3.9 and 3.4% in the tertiary, secondary and primary health care institutions respectively. Chi square showed a significant association between booking status and occurrence of PPH (χ² = 18.51, df = 1, P = 0.001), parity and PPH (χ² = 21.49, df = 3, P = 0.000), and mode of delivery and PPH (χ² = 111.77, df = 2, P = 000). Retained placenta and retained placental bits of tissue were major causes of PPH (52.4%). Major risk factors identified were multiple gestation (20%), antepartum haemorrhage (15%) and previous PPH (12.5%). Uterotonic (ergometrine and/or syntocinon) was widely used (100%) as first line of management with misoprostol being rarely used (7.3%). This study showed that prior booking of pregnant women for antenatal care was associated with lower prevalence of PPH as higher prevalence was recorded among unbooked clients. Therefore, midwives and other health care providers most especially at the rural area must ensure that women are mobilised and encouraged to register for antenatal care as early as possible for appropriate maternity care, early identification of risk and preparation to reduce the untoward effect.

Key words: Maternal mortality, labour, primary postpartum haemorrhage, uterotonic, retrospective study.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Nursing education in Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia experiences

Bethabile Lovely Dolamo¹ and Simeon Keyada Olubiyi²*

¹University of South Africa, Akaki Regional Learning Centre, Ethiopia.

²National Open University of Nigeria, Nigeria.

Accepted 13 January, 2020

Abstract

This paper studies the development of nursing education in Africa and it is limited to three countries namely, South Africa, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Two cardinal periods are covered which are, colonial and post colonial. But Ethiopia is the only African country that has technically, never been colonised as it successfully repulsed Italy’s attempt at occupying it. The reason for this study is to assist modern states in Africa to learn from the past in order to make good decisions for the present as they build a future that will make nursing education a key and crucial partner in the management of health services, including attainment of some of the millennium development goals. Recommendations for the future of nursing education are made as well as important conclusions and findings.

Key words: Africa, cadres, colonial, nursing education, professional progression.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The attitudes of student nurses toward clinical work

Dorothy Awuah-Peasah, Linda Akuamoah Sarfo* and Florence Asamoah

Presbyterian University College of Ghana, Department of Nursing, P.O. Box 42, Agogo Asante-Akyem, Ghana.

Accepted 05 February, 2020

Abstract

Clinical work in nursing education is an important component of the nursing curriculum aimed at actively engaging student nurses with the necessary skills needed for the nursing profession. The attitude of nursing students toward clinical work is becoming a topic of interest for nursing researchers. The objectives of the study were to determine the perspective of practicing nurses on students’ attitude toward clinical work. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were administered to determine the attitude of nursing students towards clinical work from the perspective of 100 practicing nurses from Agogo Presbyterian Hospital. The results indicated that 63% of the respondents said nursing students reported late to work, 60% reported that students were absent from clinical work without seeking permission, and 64% reported they used mobile phones during clinical working hours. In addition, 41% of the respondents stated that the nursing students did not show commitment to clinical work. Also, the attitude portrayed by students had an influence on the way the medical and nursing staffs related to them. It is recommended that students should receive in-service training before going to the clinical area, so that they are aware of what is expected of them during clinical placement. Also, systems should be put in place to ensure that nursing students do not use mobile phones in the clinical environment. There should be preceptors in the ward to monitor and mentor student nurses. The nursing schools should periodically follow-up with practicing nurses, to assess the behaviors and attitudes of the nursing students.

Key words: Student nurse’s attitude, clinical work, nurse’s perception.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 8 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Preterm twins cardio-respiratory, thermal and maternal breast temperature responses to shared kangaroo care

Amel M. Abouelfettoh¹* and Susan M. Ludington-Hoe²

¹King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, College of Nursing, Saudi Arabia.

²Pediatric Nursing, Frances Payne School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, USA.

Accepted 16 May, 2019

Abstract

Kangaroo Care (KC) is practiced in Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) rather frequently but predominantly with mothers of single infant. Mothers of twins often expressed a desire to do KC with their twins. Simultaneously holding both twins is called Shared Kangaroo Care (SKC). Two previous case studies of SKC could be found and have encouraged the practice of SKC prior to sufficient evidence of acceptable cardiorespiratory and thermal responses. The current study describes the effects of SKC on preterm twins’ cardio-respiratory and thermal responses to SKC and test the correlation between infant’s skin temperature and maternal breast temperature. Five triads were recruited. Thus, data from 10 infants and five mothers (5 triads) were collected. Infant Heart rate (HR), Respiratory rate (RR), infant oxygen saturation level (SaO₂), skin temperature and maternal right and left breast temperature were recorded every 30 s during a 5 min baseline (incubator) and during SKC holding period. Majority of infants tolerated SKC well. The Shared KC means for each vital sign did not appear to be clinically different than those obtained during baseline when infants were in separate incubators. The majority of breasts increased their temperature over the course of SKC. Maternal breast temperature means were positively, highly, and significantly correlated to infant skin temperature means during SKC. Further studies with a larger sample and controlled design are merited.

Key words: Twin, kangaroo care, cardio-respiratory, breast temperature.