Evaluation of Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices Regarding Care of Preterm Neonates with Hypothermia

Background Hypothermia is a major factor causing preterm neonates morbidity and mortality in developing countries. So, it's very crucial to deliver a competent nursing care for preterm neonates with hypothermia. Aim: this study was aimed to assess nurses' knowledge and practices regarding care of preterm neonates with hypothermia. Setting: The study was carried out in Neonatal Intensive Care Units affiliated to both Suez Canal University Hospitals and Ismailia Medical Complex in Ismailia city. Sample: A convenient sample of 63 nurses who working in the previously mentioned settings. Design: A descriptive design was utilized for the study. Tools of data collection: Two tools were used to collect the data; structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Results: The results of the study revealed that, the majority of the studied nurses had poor level of knowledge and incompetent practice regarding care of preterm neonates with hypothermia. There was statistically significant relationship between studied nurses' total level of knowledge and their total level of practices. Conclusion: The study concluded that, the studied nurse had poor level of knowledge, and incompetent practices regarding care of preterm neonates with hypothermia. Recommendation: the study recommended that, training and educational programs or workshops regarding care of preterm neonates with Hypothermia should be provided to nursing staff working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.