Assessment of Nurses and Midwives Knowledge on the Prevention and Management of Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia at the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Pre-eclampsia, is a pregnancy-related disorder marked by elevated blood pressure with diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmhg and proteinuria greater than or equal to 0.3g/24 hours after 20 weeks of gestation and can be found up to six weeks after child birth.Eclampsia is defined as generalized seizures often associated to or in addition to the criteria for pre-eclampsia where the seizures can be attributed or linked to other causes such as epilepsy.This condition remains a significant contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality globally.This study evaluated the knowledge of nurses and midwives regarding the prevention and management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at the Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon.A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using structured self-administered questionnaires distributed to 94 consenting nurses and midwives.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 and presented using descriptive statistics in tables and charts.The results showed that 81.9% of respondents had heard about pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, with 67.0% able to correctly define the conditions.Magnesium sulphate (36.3%) and antihypertensive medications (29.6%) such as Methyldopa were commonly used treatments.Preventive strategies included regular blood pressure monitoring (93.6%), antenatal checks (96.8%), adequate rest (97.9%), hydration (90.4%), physical exercise (89.4%), and a protein-rich diet (78.7%).However, only 10.7% of respondents knew that magnesium sulphate is used for seizure prophylaxis during delivery.The most commonly used diagnostic tool was urinalysis (59.6%), with 33% recognizing the benefit of combining urinalysis and blood testing.The findings suggest that while there is a generally good level of awareness among nurses and midwives, gaps remain in comprehensive clinical knowledge, especially regarding pharmacological management.Strengthening continuous professional education and targeted training on pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is recommended to enhance maternal and neonatal care outcomes.
Source: Acta Scientific Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414123909