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Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/BRCA-RA-25-36

Knowledge and Practice of Neonatal Resuscitation Among Midwives in Selected Secondary and Tertiary Health Institutions in Imo State

Chima Rosemary Chinenye , Ajie Uzoamaka.R , Uloneme Chinwe .E , Ndugbu Stella .C *, Uzoamaka Blessing , Okpe Jane .N , Ezenwuba Clementina , Emesowum Anthonia , Adanma Solomon

Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University Owerri

*Corresponding Author: Nwachukwu Uchenna C, Department Of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty Of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri..

Citation: Chima Rosemary Chinenye, Ajie Uzoamaka.R , Uloneme Chinwe .E , Ndugbu Stella .C , Uzoamaka Blessing et al (2025). Knowledge and Practice of Neonatal Resuscitation Among Midwives in Selected Secondary and Tertiary Health Institutions in Imo State, J Biomedical Research and Clinical Advancements; 2(6) 36, DOI: BRCA-RA-25-36

Copyright: Copyright: Nwachukwu Uchenna C, et al © (2025). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 05 November 2025 | Accepted: 16 November 2025 | Published: 25 December 2025

Keywords: neonatal resuscitation; midwives; knowledge; practice; secondary health institutions; tertiary health institutions; healthcare practices.

Abstract

Neonatal resuscitation is a critical intervention for reducing neonatal mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Midwives play a pivotal role in implementing neonatal resuscitation practices, yet gaps in knowledge and practice persist in many settings. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of neonatal resuscitation among midwives in selected secondary and tertiary health institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 70 midwives selected through a convenience sampling technique. A validated questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.889, was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, including frequency and mean, were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that midwives possess a high level of knowledge of neonatal resuscitation, with a grand mean of 3.90. Similarly, their practices were highly effective, as indicated by a grand mean of 3.98. The midwives demonstrated proficiency in airway clearance, bag-and-mask ventilation, and chest compressions, reflecting adherence to neonatal resuscitation guidelines. However, challenges related to resource constraints and training disparities were noted in secondary institutions. Midwives in Imo State demonstrate substantial knowledge and effective practice of neonatal resuscitation, especially in tertiary health institutions. Sustained training programs, improved resource availability, and policy formulation are essential to address existing gaps and improve neonatal outcomes. It is recommended that periodic training, resource provision, and supervision mechanisms be strengthened, particularly in resource-limited settings, to enhance neonatal resuscitation practices. Further research should explore barriers in under-resourced health facilities to develop targeted interventions.

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