Performance of Nurses Caring for Neonates with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Demonstrator of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University

2 Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University.

3 Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University

4 Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University

Abstract

Background: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a syndrome of
failed circulatory adaptation at birth due to delay or impairment in the normal fall in pulmonary
vascular resistance (PVR) that occurs after birth. Aim of the study: To assess performance of
nurses caring for neonates with PPHN. Design: A descriptive design was used in this study.
Settings: This study was carried out in neonatal intensive care units at Children’s Hospital and
Obestatric Gynacological Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University and Fayoum General Hospital
affiliated Ministry of Health in Fayoum Governorate. Subjects: A convenient sample of all
available staff nurses (100) and working in the previously mentioned settings. A Purposive sample
of neonates with inclusion criteria: Neonates with gestational age more than 37 weeks of gestation
and their birth weight more than 2500 gm, and exclusion criteria: Neonates with congenital
anomalies and neonates with other chronic disorders. Data collection: Three tools were used in this
study as follows, 1. Predesigned questionnaire, 2. Observational checklist and 3. Attitude rating
scale. Results: Findings revealed that high statistically significant relation, positive correlation
between total knowledge with total attitude and positive correlation between total knowledge with
total practice, total attitude and total practice. Conclusion: More than half of studied nurses had
good knowledge about PPHN, three quarters of studied nurses had competent practice during caring
for neonates with PPHN, and the majority of them had positive attitude regarding caring for
neonates with PPHN. Recommendations: Increasing staff nurses knowledge through educational
program and training courses.

Keywords