Assessment of Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge in Helping Babies Breathe Program at Birth in Turkana and West Pokot Counties, Kenya

Context: Globally, 2.3 million neonatal deaths were documented in the year 2022, predominantly occurring in low-income nations. Among these, roughly 23% are attributed to asphyxia. The initial minute after birth, often referred to as the "golden minute," holds immense significance in the lives of newborns. Therefore, it necessitates the newborn's initiation and continual maintenance of spontaneous breathing. A skill that healthcare providers (HCPs) must be well conversant with, especially those working in labor rooms. The Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 report indicated that West Pokot and Turkana counties had high neonatal mortality rates of 27 and 21 deaths per 1000 live births, respectively. Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge level of healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding helping babies breathe in Turkana County and West Pokot County. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design, utilizing quantitative methodologies to assess the knowledge of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the facilitation of newborn respiration. Six facilities in West Pokot and Turkana Counties were purposefully selected. The study encompassed 71 healthcare professionals (HCPs), including nurses, medical officers, and clinical officers, from West Pokot and 74 from Turkana, who had served in the maternity, operating theatre, and newborn unit for the preceding year, allowing for a census approach. Data collection involved administering digitized, interviewer-administered questionnaires in three health facilities in Turkana County and three in West Pokot County to assess healthcare providers' (HCPs') knowledge of helping newborns breathe at birth. Results: Out of the total participants, 51(35.2%) HCPs demonstrated adequate knowledge in helping newborns breathe at birth, scoring ≥50%, while 94(64.8%) exhibited inadequate knowledge. Both the healthcare facility (p = 0.002) and cadre (p = 0.023) were identified as statistically significant determinants of knowledge levels. Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Turkana and West Pokot is suboptimal, with nearly two-thirds scoring below 50% in the study. The cadre and the facility where the HCPs were based had a significant influence on knowledge levels. The study recommends targeted training and continuous capacity building through competency-based simulations, on-the-job training, and structured mentorship to enhance knowledge and skills in managing neonatal asphyxia.