ASSESSMENT OF SKILLED BIRTH ATTENDANTS REGARDING HELPING BABIES BREATH INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE NEWBORN CARE IN RURAL DISTRICT OF SINDH

Abstract

Background: Globally, 3.1 million newborn deaths occur every year out of these estimated 400,000 neonatal deaths occur in Pakistan. All neonatal deaths 99% take place in poorest region and countries of the world, usually within hours of birth; mostly the cause of neonatal deaths is hypoxia. To access knowledge and practice of SBAs regarding HBB and to access the availability of equipments required for HBB. Methods: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on SBAs as trained in HBB. All 46 SBAs trained on HBB working in Labour room eight rural Health centers, four Taluka, One district Head Quarter Health Facilities and thirteen Mlbcs of the district, were included in the sample for study. All 41 SBAs were trained on HBB participated in the study. Results: Mean age of 30 years. Out of total 41 participants 25 were working in B-EmoNC (61%), 3in C-EmoNC (7.3%) and 13 in mid wife laid birth Centre (MLBC) or birth station (31.7%). About 92.7% of participants said that main purpose of HBB training is to decrease the NMR by improving newborn care. Drying of newborn is 82.7%, hand washing is 95.12% and 85.3% of the study participants said that they gave 30-40 breaths per minutes. Cord clamp and pair of ties was accessible to 85% of participants versus 14.3% who reported it's not accessible. Almost one quarter (34.1%) participants have low knowledge and practice. Knowledge and training had significant effect on the overall practices of the skilled birth attendants for skilled birth deliveries and reduce the neonatal deaths (P <0.001). Conclusion: Tools play a vital role for the implication of the knowledge into practices and tools were available almost to every participant. Although few barriers also identified for the less application of the helping hand babies trainings in the community.