Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Of Nurses In Resuscitating Casualties Involved In Road Traffic Accidents In Uganda: A Case Of Mulago National Referral Hospital
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Date
2024-07-24
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King Ceasor University, Institutional Repository
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization WHO (2022), Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) stand as the primary cause of mortality among individuals aged 5 to 29 worldwide. Uganda faces significant challenges, including a 42% increase in accidents in 2021. Effective resuscitation is crucial in mitigating mortality and disability resulting from RTAs, underscoring the importance of assessing nurses' competencies and attitudes in emergency care provision. The purpose of the study was to establish the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses, in resuscitating road traffic accident casualties, in the Accident and Emergency Ward, Mulago National Referral Hospital Uganda. The study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. Purposive sampling selected 36 registered nurses; data was collected using structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Ethical considerations were upheld, and dissemination plans included conferences, publications, and library submissions. The study revealed nurses' demographics as 24(66.7%) aged 30-40 years, 29(80.6%) female. Most hold a Diploma 21(58.3%) and have over 10 years of experience 20(55.6%). Regarding
knowledge, 22(61.1%) knew CPR, and 31(86.1%) understood compression-to-ventilation ratio. Attitudes varied: 20(55.6%) felt prepared, while 11(30.6%) agreed on promptly responding to RTA emergencies. Practices showed 20(55.6%) encountering RTA casualties frequently, but only 12(33.3%) monitored deterioration signs effectively. Overall, 30(83.3%) rated their performance positively. The majority of nurses demonstrated a high level of knowledge and positive attitudes toward the management of RTA emergencies; however, there are evident gaps in practice. Addressing these gaps requires comprehensive training programs focusing on trauma management and resuscitation techniques, emphasizing hands-on training and continuous professional development opportunities. There is a need to develop strategies to promote a proactive attitude towards preparedness and prompt response to RTA emergencies among nurses
Keywords: Road Traffic Accidents; Nurses' Competencies; Emergency Resuscitation
Description
Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala Uganda.