Knowledge and practice of nursing professionals about prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum

Fernanda Carla Pereira Duarte,Juliana Rezende Montenegro Medeiros De Moraes,Laura Johanson Da Silva,Maria Da Anunciação Silva,Liliane Faria Da Silva,Fernanda Garcia Bezerra Góes

doi:10.1590/2177-9465-ean-2018-0212

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To analyze the knowledge and practice of nursing professionals about the prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum. Method: Descriptive study, of qualitative approach, carried out in the first semester of 2018, in a city hall hospital located in the lake area of the Rio de Janeiro's state, through semi-structured interviews with 14 Nursing professionals participating in the care of the newborn, whose data were submitted to the Thematic Analysis. Results: From the three emerging thematic categories, there are gaps in knowledge related to ophthalmia neonatorum, silver nitrate and the instillation procedure of this prophylactic solution, as well as differences in care practice regarding care before, during and after the procedure. Conclusion and implications for practice: The data point to the importance of training the Nursing team in the prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum, the revision of guidelines and procedures aimed at standardizing the procedure, as well as emphasizing the need for adequate follow-up of pregnant women in prenatal care.

Highlights

Ophthalmia neonatorum or neonatal conjunctivitis are terms used to describe conjunctivitis distinguished by erythema, edema and purulent drainage that affects newborns, usually contracted during birth, by contact with maternal secretions contaminated by different microbial agents,[1,2,3] especially those transmitted sexually
It should be noted that other bacteria not characterized as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause ophthalmia neonatorum, representing from 30% to 50% of the cases, such as Haemophilus species, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus viridans, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the latter may lead to blindness
The findings indicate limitations in clinical practice, but they point out the importance of the Nursing team adopting good practices in the care of the newborn, based on up-to-date scientific knowledge, promoting safe, comprehensive and qualified care.[16]

Summary

Introduction

Ophthalmia neonatorum or neonatal conjunctivitis are terms used to describe conjunctivitis distinguished by erythema, edema and purulent drainage that affects newborns, usually contracted during birth, by contact with maternal secretions contaminated by different microbial agents,[1,2,3] especially those transmitted sexually. Even though its risk is higher in normal births, there are cases of ocular infection in cesarean sections, especially in prolonging membranes rupture.[2] its occurrence reflects the local epidemiology of untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy.[4]. The prevalence of STIs remains high, with an incidence of 1 million cases in 2012, of which 210,000 are due to chlamydia or gonorrhea. National data on the incidence and prevalence of these STIs are scarce in view of the inadequacy and fragility of epidemiological surveillance due to the greater coverage of compulsory notification of diseases that pose greater risks to the community such as syphilis, viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.[5]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion