Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is one of the most common causes of cerebral
palsy and other severe neurological deficits in children which occurs in 1.5/1000 live births. It is
caused by inadequate blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain resulting in focal or diffuse brain
injury. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational program on nurses’ performance
regarding infant suffering from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Method: A quasi-experimental
design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted in the pediatric intensive
care unit and neonate intensive care unit department at Specialized Pediatric Hospital which affiliated
to Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. Subjects: A convenient sample of 60 nurses and
purposive sample of 60 infants. Tools: Three tools were used to collect data: A structured
interviewing questionnaire sheet, an observation checklist and nurses’ attitude scale Results: Less
than half, less than one third and more than one third respectively of nurses had poor knowledge,
incompetent practices and negative attitude levels pre- program implementation. While, the majority
of them had good knowledge, competent practices and positive attitude levels post- program
implementation. Conclusion: The educational program had a significant positive effect in improving
nurses’ performance regarding care of infant suffering from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
Besides, there was a highly statistical significant positive correlation between total nurses’ practices,
total knowledge and total attitude scores post program implementation. Recommendations:
Designing a simplified comprehensive Arabic guided booklet about hypoxic ischemic
encephalopathy must be available in all pediatric intensive care unit and neonate intensive care unit. |
