Effectiveness of Sensitization Program on Knowledge of Staff Regarding Noise in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a sensitization program on the knowledge of staff regarding noise in the NICU as measured by structured knowledge questionnaire. Materials and Method: The study was done in the NICU of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal among 35 staff selected by complete enumeration sampling using one group pre-test post-test design. The data was obtained using demographic pro-forma and the knowledge questionnaire. A Sensitization program on noise in NICU was developed and implemented after the pre-test knowledge assessment. The post-test knowledge assessment was done 15 days after the sensitization program. Results: Out of 35 staffs, majority 29 (82.9%) of staff were below the age of 30 years& 32(91.4%) were females. Maximum number of staff, 17(48.6%) had professional qualification as ANM, Diploma in Nursing, P.B Diploma in Neonatal Nursing, 12(34.3%) of the staff were undergraduates. Majority of them had less than two years of experience in hospital and NICU. During the pre-test, out of 35 staff, majority, 25 (71.4%) of them had an average knowledge regarding noise in NICU. In the post-test, 32(91.4%) of the staff had good knowledge. There was a significant difference between the median pre-test and median post-test scores (z score=5.154, p < 0.05). Conclusion: As a clinical implicates staff working in NICU should be aware of effect of noise on the neonates and the control measures. They can be taught the modifications in their activities in order to reduce noise.