Increasing parental knowledge on the care of their preterm neonate in the neonatal intensive care unit through an educational training program at a selected District Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Pretmaturity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality (WHO, 2012). Additionally another one million infant deaths are due to the complications of prematurity related to respiratory, cardiac, and neurological problems as well as from neonatal sepsis (Kenner & Lott, 2014). The birth of a preterm baby that requires specialized care is shocking and distressing for parents . Parents feel a loss of parental control when therir newborn is rushed away into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Parents also find the environement of the NICU overwhelming when seeing the high technology and unfamiliar equipment. Most parents lack of general knowledge about prematurity and in the care of their preterm infant. Parents in the NICU have an important role in providing physical care to their baby. It is the responsibility of the neonatal nurses to help parents learn how to care for their infant in a high tech medical setting, as well as in their home after the infant is discharged (Thon, 2013). Purpose of this study: To determine the effect of an educational training program on the knowledge of parents with preterm infants in the NICU. Methodology: Quantitative study was used. Study Design: Quasi experiemental pre test post test approach was used. Study setting: The study was conducted through the NICU at a selected District Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. Population: Parents who have preterm infants in NICU at the selected District Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. Sampling: Non probability sampling by using convenience sampling strategy was used, with a sample size od 53 participants. Results: The study findings revealed that in the pre-test knowledge assessment the mean percentage of correct responses was 54% and the post test the mean percentage of correct responses was 92%. Further effectiveness of planned teaching program was tested by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using paired two sample t- test by testin two dependents variables of parental knowledge of pre-test and post-test. A very significant P. valueof 0.001 was found between pre-test and post-test knowledge score of the respondents indicating an increasing parental knowledge in caring their preterm infant in NICU after planned teaching progam. Conclusion: Planned teaching program was found to be effective in improving parental knowledge in caring their preterm infants in NICU.