European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PROBLEMS AND CARE OF PRETERM NEONATES: AWARENESS OF TRAINED NURSES.

*Umarani J., Dr. Sharadha Ramesh, Dr. Prakash Saldanha, Dr. Rohan Dilip Mendonsa and Dr. E. Kayalvizhi

ABSTRACT

Preterm neonates are the babies born before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Most of the preterm newborn requires continuous observation and care. Due to high tech care and advances in treatment methods, the chances of survival of preterm baby is increased. Even then they are high risk for developing more health problems throughout the childhood. They need essential new born care and special care in the neonatal intensive care unit. The nurses who care the preterm new born need to be aware about the common problems encountered by the babies and what care is required for them. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of trained nurses about the problems and care of preterm new born. A non experimental descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A structured knowledge questionnaire regarding the newborn problems and management was used in order to assess the knowledge of trained nurses. A sample of 35 nurses were selected by non probability purposive Sampling technique. The result revealed that 29% of the nurses had inadequate knowledge, 51% had average knowledge and 20% had adequate knowledge regarding the problems and care of preterm newborn. Majority of the samples were having adequate knowledge on the problems of newborn whereas regarding the care of newborn they had inadequate knowledge.

Keywords: Preterm Neonates, Problems, Care, Awareness.