Abstract:
Background: Globally, about 10 % of neonates require extra respiratory support to initiate
breathing in the first minutes after birth. Almost 2.7 million of neonates died as an outcome of
birth asphyxia and other related problems, then the most occur in low- and middle-income
countries (LMICs). Quality of care (QoC) interventions could be done at birth to prevent
neonatal deaths through basic care during neonatal resuscitation.
Objective: To determine the QoC of basic neonatal resuscitation (NR) at birth among health care
providers at district hospitals in Kigali.
Method: Observational cross sectional study was conducted from February 20th, 2019 to May
15th
, 2019 on 36 health care providers ( HCPs) working in three district hospitals in Kigali city.
A structured checklist tool was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were
used to analyze the data, which was presented in tables and figures.
Results: The majority of participants had good QoC scores for drying/stimulation at 74.7%, and
fair QoC score for airway clearance (85.1%). A limited number had poor QoC scores for
advanced bag and mask ventilation (13%). Years of maternity work experience was associated
with good drying/stimulation (β =1.76, Cl= 1.23-2.93, p=0.032), airway maintenance (𝛽 = 1.46,
CI = 1.13-2.13, 𝑃 = 0.042) and initial bag and mask ventilation (𝛽=1.66, CI = 1.73-2.97, =
0.019).
Conclusion. Quality of care in neonatal resuscitation reflects the preparation, drying and
stimulation, airway maintenance, and ventilation, which are critical to save neonates lives.
Mentorship and follow up with periodic refresher training can improve the care provided to
neonates.
