Knowledge on the Causes and Management of Preterm Babies Amongst Third Year Nursing Degree Students at a University Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Sune Karsten and Joseph Galukeni Kadhila

Background of Study: In Namibia, nursing students are having theoretical information about the premature babies and are also allocated in maternity ward and premature unit for in-service training. The nursing students at the University of Namibia have access to manage preterm babies during their clinical placement. However, the researcher observed that student nurses don’t have enough knowledge regarding the causes and management of premature babies in the clinical setting.

Methods: In this study a quantitative research design was used, which gave the researcher an opportunity to gather all the information. Self-structured Questionnaire was developed as a research instrument to collect data. The questions used were inspired by looking at previous studies to get an idea what to ask and how the questions should be asked. Data was collected by using a questionnaire that was developed as a research instrument. A sample of 73 participants of 3rd year degree nursing students at the University of Namibia in Windhoek was used in the study. The calculation of the sampling method was done using the Slovin’s formula. Data were analyzed using Microsoft excel. Descriptive statistical data was analyzed and the results were presented in frequent tables, pie chart and grafts.

Results: The results of the study indicated that participants pose major knowledge regarding the cause of prematurity, the results revealed that 88% of the participants knew the causes of premature birth and regarding the management of premature babies the majority also revealed good knowledge, the results revealed that 87% of the participants knew the management of premature babies.

Conclusion

Objective 1: To assess the knowledge of the causes of preterm babies amongst 3rd year nursing degree students at the University of Namibia, Windhoek. The results reveal that 46 (88%) of the participants knew the causes of preterm birth. However, there are participants of 6 (12%) that have poor knowledge regarding the cause of preterm birth.

Objective 2: To assess the knowledge of the management of preterm babies amongst 3rd year nursing degree students at the University of Namibia, Windhoek. The results reveal that the average of 45 (87%) of the participants knew the management of preterm babies. However, there are 7 (13%) of the respondents with poor knowledge on the management of preterm babies.

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