A study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding maintenance of warm chain for prevention of hypothermia of newborns among nursing personnel at labor rooms of selected health care facilities of West Bengal

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the maintenance of warm chain for the prevention of hypothermia of newborns among nursing personnel. Design: Descriptive survey research designMethods: A descriptive survey approach with KAP conceptual framework model was used with 106 samples from selected Murshidabad District health care facilities using a non-probability purposive sampling technique, validated Structured Knowledge questionnaire, 5-point Likert scale, and observation checklist. Collected data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The mean and SD scores of the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nursing personnel were 15.6 (±2.5), 45.3 (±3.1), and 7.5 (±.7) respectively. The study revealed that 76.4% of respondents had average knowledge, 75% had moderately favorable attitudes and satisfactory practice was observed among 88.7% of nursing personnel. Conclusion: There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and practice (r=0.4, t = 4.47), and attitude and practice (r= 0.5, t = 5.92) regarding the maintenance of the warm chain at 0.01 level of significance.Implication for the profession: In the clinical area the study will help increase knowledge, and confidence and improve necessary skills for effective practice and quality care.Implication for practice/policy: Nursing personnel are directly involved in newborn care so they can use the knowledge regarding prevention of hypothermia, to prevent hypothermia. On the other hand, nursing personnel have the opportunity to educate the mother in the prevention of hypothermia.Impact: It has a great implication in the practical field to increase awareness, create confidence, and enhancement of necessary skills. Periodical training will help to maintain the standard of practice.