Assessment of Knowledge and Expressed Practices of Staff Nurses Regarding Prevention and Management of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Working in Various Selected Govt. Institutions in Shimla (HP)

Abstract

Background: Eclampsia remains an important cause of maternal mortality throughout the world, accounting for about 50,000 deaths occur worldwide. In developed countries, eclampsia complicates about 1 in 2000 deliveries. In developing countries, the prevalence of eclampsia varies widely, from 1 in 100 to 1 in 1700. It is a typical problem in developing countries because illiteracy, lack of health awareness and education, poverty, and superstitious beliefs prevent women from seeking medical advice during pregnancy. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and expressed practices of staff nurses regarding prevention and management of preeclampsia and eclampsia and to determine the relationship between knowledge and expressed practices scores.
Methods and Materials: Descriptive study was conducted in selected Government hospitals of Himachal Pradesh. Total 100 staff nurses (total enumeration) were enrolled by purposive sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire (35 items) was prepared to assess the knowledge. A three-point rating scale (21 items) was developed to determine the attitude of staff nurses regarding prevention and management of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Permission was taken from ethical committee. Data were collected from in the month of June, 2016. Variables for the study were age, educational qualifications. Professional qualification Professional experience (total), professional experience (in maternity unit). The gathered data was analyzed by calculating mean standard deviation, chi-square and paired t-test. Result: More than half (51%) of the study subjects were in the age group of 20-30 years. Half of subject sample (49%) were graduate. Eighty six percent (86%) of the study subjects had G.N.M. diploma course. Less than half (45%) of the study subjects had –-5 years of experience. More than half (63%) of the study subjects had 1 to 5 years of experience in maternity. Majority (92%) of the study subjects had average knowledge scores mean scores and S.D. was19.11 and 3.698. Majority (98%) of the sample had good practice score the mean score of expressed practice of pretest was 38.13. Significant co-relation was found between pretest knowledge score and pretest practice scores of the subjects as obtained r value was 0.905 more than the table value (0.197) df 78 at 0.05 level of significant. Conclusion; This study therefore concludes that there is a relationship between knowledge and practice of staff nurses in management of eclampsia because (98%) of staff nurses who had good practice levels also had good level of knowledge. Knowledge is a prerequisite for proper or standard practice in prevention and management of preeclampsia and eclampsia