Factors Influencing Knowledge And Practice On Helping Babies Breathe Among Skilled Birth Attendants In Rural Areas In Lake Zone In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Background: It is estimated that 1 million babies die each year due to birth asphyxia. Birth asphyxia is the inability of a new born baby to breathe immediately after birth. Globally, it is approximated that 10 million babies cannot do it by themselves and need assistance. Helping babies breathe is a key component to reducing neonatal mortality due to birth asphyxia.

Methods: A quantitative approach by using a cross-sectional design was used. A total of 330 respondents were included in the study. Simple random sampling by lottery was used to select the 2 regions and health facilities. The participants for the study were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using standard semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square and Binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.

Results: Out of 330 participants, 42.4% (n=140) had adequate knowledge, 32.4% (n=107) had adequate practice, while 57.6 % (n= 190) had inadequate knowledge and 67.6% 67.6% (n=223) had inadequate practice. Medical professionals working in hospital (AOR 3.227, P< 0.001) and (AOR 43.807, P