Abstract:
Background: Oxygen administration simply means giving oxygen. This makes oxygen to be
considered as a drug which is prescribed to prevent or treat hypoxemia. The purpose of oxygen
to be given is to bring oxygen saturation (SpO2) to normal range or near normal range.
The aim of the study: This study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice on oxygen
administration among nurses and midwives at Masaka District Hospital.
Research methodology: The study was a quantitative, descriptive research using a crosssectional design. The study was conducted at Masaka District Hospital. The target population
was all nurses and midwives working in that institution. A non-probability convenient sampling
procedure was used. Structured questionnaire and check list for observation on practice session
developed by the researcher and validated by supervisor was used in data collection. Descriptive
and inferential statistics were used in analysis and SPSS version 21.
Results: Among 70 nurses and midwives included in the study, 29 from them were also
observed for practice session. The majority of all respondents (56.8%) were female, 68.6% were
married, 60.0% were aged 30-39 years, 68.6% were holding advanced diploma, 54.3% were
having working experience of 5-10 years and 45.7% were had working experience in their
current departments of 2-3 years. Poor knowledge of nurses and midwives was found at
37.643%, positive attitude of 85.6% and poor practice of 32.59%. The associated factors of
demographic variables with knowledge, attitude and practice respectively with p-value of ≥
0.005 were level of education and working experience, marital status and working experience
and level of education on practice.
Conclusion: This study showed that there is a clear knowledge and practice gaps among nurses
and nurses who were working at Masaka District Hospital and positive attitude. The possible
associated factors were also identified which includes; differences in working experience, level
of education and marital status on attitude. It is recommended that nurses and midwives must be
given training on oxygen administration, be updated and National oxygen administration
guideline or Hospital protocol must be developed.
