Abstract

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are life-threatening conditions that pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Adequate management by healthcare providers, particularly nurses and midwives, is crucial in preventing adverse outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge regarding the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon. This study aimed to assess nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia among women at Buea Regional Hospital. A cross-sectional study involving [insert number] nurses and midwives working in maternity and obstetric units was conducted between [insert time frame]. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that [insert findings regarding knowledge levels]. Multivariate analysis indicated that factors such as [insert significant determinants of knowledge]. These results underscore the importance of targeted training programs to enhance nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge and skills in managing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, ultimately improving maternal and fetal health outcomes at Buea Regional Hospital.

Keywords: Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, management, nurses, midwives, knowledge, Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon.

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia represent severe hypertensive disorders that occur during pregnancy, affecting approximately 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide and contributing significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality (Khan et al., 2006; Mol, 2016). Pre-eclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation, while eclampsia involves the occurrence of seizures in women with pre-eclampsia (ACOG, 2019). Despite advancements in maternal healthcare, these conditions continue to pose substantial challenges, particularly in low-resource settings like Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon.

The management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia necessitates prompt recognition and appropriate intervention to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Nurses and midwives play pivotal roles in the frontline management of these conditions, including timely assessment, monitoring, and administration of treatments such as magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive medications (Duley, 2009). However, studies have shown significant variability in nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge and practices regarding the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, which may impact patient outcomes (Spector et al., 2019).

Buea Regional Hospital serves as a primary healthcare facility in the South-West region of Cameroon, providing obstetric and maternity services to a diverse population. Despite the hospital’s efforts to improve maternal healthcare, limited research has been conducted to assess nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management within this context. Understanding the current level of knowledge among nurses and midwives is essential for identifying gaps and implementing targeted training interventions to enhance clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

Furthermore, socio-economic factors, including access to continuing education and resources, may influence nurses’ and midwives’ capacity to effectively manage pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (Magee et al., 2014). In resource-limited settings like Cameroon, where healthcare infrastructure and funding are often constrained, addressing knowledge gaps among healthcare providers becomes imperative for optimizing maternal and perinatal health outcomes. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management at Buea Regional Hospital is warranted to inform evidence-based interventions and improve the quality of maternal healthcare services.

Moreover, cultural beliefs and healthcare-seeking behaviors within the local population may impact the recognition and management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Traditional practices and misconceptions surrounding pregnancy-related complications may delay women’s access to appropriate care, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive approaches to healthcare delivery (Kassebaum et al., 2014). Understanding the socio-cultural context surrounding pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management is crucial for developing effective strategies to overcome barriers and improve healthcare outcomes for pregnant women in Buea and similar settings.

In conclusion, addressing the challenges associated with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses healthcare provider training, resource allocation, and community engagement. By conducting a comprehensive assessment of nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge at Buea Regional Hospital, this study seeks to contribute valuable insights towards enhancing the quality of maternal healthcare services and reducing the burden of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Cameroon.

Problem Statement

Despite the critical importance of timely and effective management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity rates, there remains a notable gap in understanding nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of these conditions’ management at Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia continue to pose significant challenges to maternal healthcare providers, particularly in low-resource settings, where access to specialized training and resources may be limited. This lack of knowledge among nurses and midwives regarding the optimal management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia may contribute to delays in diagnosis, inappropriate treatment strategies, and suboptimal outcomes for pregnant women and their infants. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management at Buea Regional Hospital is essential for identifying gaps and implementing targeted interventions to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Research Questions:

1. What is the level of knowledge among nurses and midwives at Buea Regional Hospital regarding the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?
2. What are the socio-demographic factors influencing nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management?
3. How do educational and training experiences affect nurses’ and midwives’ understanding of the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?

Main Research Objective:

To assess nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Buea Regional Hospital.

Specific Research Objectives:

1. To determine the level of knowledge among nurses and midwives regarding the identification, assessment, and management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
2. To investigate the socio-demographic factors, including age, education level, years of experience, and professional designation, influencing nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management.
3. To examine the impact of educational and training experiences, including participation in continuing education programs and exposure to pre-eclampsia and eclampsia cases, on nurses’ and midwives’ understanding of the management of these conditions.
4. To identify perceived barriers and challenges faced by nurses and midwives in effectively managing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Buea Regional Hospital.
5. To provide recommendations for targeted training interventions and healthcare policies aimed at improving nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge and skills in managing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, ultimately enhancing maternal and perinatal health outcomes at the hospital.

Hypothesis:

1. Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant difference in the level of knowledge among nurses and midwives regarding the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Buea Regional Hospital.

   Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant difference in the level of knowledge among nurses and midwives regarding the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Buea Regional Hospital.

2. Null Hypothesis (H0): Socio-demographic factors such as age, education level, years of experience, and professional designation do not significantly influence nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management at Buea Regional Hospital.

   Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Socio-demographic factors such as age, education level, years of experience, and professional designation significantly influence nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia management at Buea Regional Hospital.

3. Null Hypothesis (H0): Educational and training experiences, including participation in continuing education programs and exposure to pre-eclampsia and eclampsia cases, do not significantly affect nurses’ and midwives’ understanding of the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Buea Regional Hospital.

   Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Educational and training experiences, including participation in continuing education programs and exposure to pre-eclampsia and eclampsia cases, significantly affect nurses’ and midwives’ understanding of the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at Buea Regional Hospital.

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