Understanding the Helpfulness of the Helping Babies Breathe Program: Perspectives and Experiences of Ugandan Nurses

background 

Eighty percent of infant deaths worldwide result from prematurity, low-birth-weight, infections, birth trauma and asphyxia with one million of these neonatal deaths due to asphyxia.  The Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) program is an evidence-based educational program, which supports neonatal resuscitation training in resource-limited areas focusing on neonatal asphyxia immediately after delivery.  

method

A qualitative descriptive design was used to explore northern Ugandan nurse’s perceptions and experiences of the helpfulness and usability of HBB program in their everyday practice.   

Total of forty nurses and student nurses who completed the HBB training in northern Uganda were asked to participate in a 1 hour audio-recorded focus group interview or individual interview.

Qualitative analysis was used to code the data.  All audio-recorded interviews were verified for accuracy with initial codes identified. Analysis and interpretation continued until patterns of meanings were discovered with the development of overarching themes.  

findings

Preliminary themes: 1) Vital need to improve neonatal resuscitation knowledge and provider confidence.  2) HHB program is an appropriate model to stabilize newborns experiencing asphyxia.  3) All health care providers (including traditional birth attendants) need to be trained in the HHB program.

discussion

Newborn asphyxia remains a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity in low resource countries. Traditional birth attendants need to be involved in the HBB educational program since they continue to play a major role in assisting at births in rural areas. Health care providers need educational avenues to retain HHB knowledge and maintain skills through refresher courses.