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Full Project – PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF NEONATAL TETANUS AMONG NURSING MOTHERS

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Neonatal tetanus (NT) is a severe and often fatal disease that primarily affects newborns and is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Despite the availability of effective prevention methods, NT remains a significant cause of neonatal mortality in many developing countries (Thwaites et al., 2015). The prevention and management of NT among nursing mothers is a critical area of study, as maternal immunity and hygienic practices play a significant role in the incidence of the disease.

The primary prevention strategy for NT is maternal immunization with tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that pregnant women receive at least two doses of TT vaccine, which provides immunity to the mother and indirectly protects the newborn through transplacental transfer of antibodies (WHO, 2018). A study by Demicheli et al. (2015) found that TT vaccination during pregnancy significantly reduced the risk of NT and neonatal mortality.

In addition to vaccination, clean delivery practices are crucial in preventing NT. The bacterium Clostridium tetani is found in soil and can contaminate the umbilical cord if not properly cared for during and after delivery. A study by Blencowe et al. (2011) found that clean delivery practices, including the use of sterile instruments and proper cord care, significantly reduced the incidence of NT.

Despite these prevention strategies, NT continues to be a significant problem in many parts of the world. This is often due to a lack of access to healthcare services, cultural beliefs, and practices that prevent women from receiving the TT vaccine or delivering in a healthcare facility (Roper et al., 2017). Therefore, education and community outreach are essential components of NT prevention.

The management of NT involves supportive care, including wound care, antibiotics, and neonatal intensive care. However, the high mortality rate of NT, particularly in low-resource settings, underscores the importance of prevention (Thwaites et al., 2015).

The prevention and management of NT among nursing mothers involve a multifaceted approach that includes vaccination, clean delivery practices, education, and community outreach. Further research is needed to address the barriers to these interventions and to develop new strategies for NT prevention and management.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Neonatal tetanus (NT) is a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries where healthcare systems may be inadequate or inaccessible. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and preventive measures, NT continues to claim the lives of thousands of newborns each year. The problem is particularly acute among nursing mothers who may lack access to proper prenatal care, including tetanus immunization, and who may not be aware of the importance of hygienic childbirth and cord care practices.

The prevention and management of NT among nursing mothers is a complex issue that involves multiple factors. These include the availability and accessibility of healthcare services, the level of awareness and knowledge among mothers about NT and its prevention, and cultural beliefs and practices that may influence health-seeking behaviors. In many cases, mothers may not seek or receive the necessary immunizations due to lack of information, fear of side effects, or cultural or religious beliefs.

Furthermore, the management of NT in newborns is challenging due to the severity of the disease and the need for intensive care. In many developing countries, the necessary resources and facilities for the treatment of NT may not be readily available. This further exacerbates the problem and contributes to the high mortality rate associated with NT.

In addition, there is a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date data on the prevalence and incidence of NT, particularly in rural and remote areas. This makes it difficult to accurately assess the scope of the problem and to develop and implement effective strategies for the prevention and management of NT.

The role of nursing mothers in the prevention and management of NT cannot be overstated. Mothers are often the primary caregivers and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices can significantly influence the health outcomes of their newborns. However, many mothers may lack the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and manage NT.

The prevention and management of neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers is a significant problem that requires urgent attention. It involves addressing multiple factors, including improving access to healthcare services, increasing awareness and knowledge among mothers, and addressing cultural beliefs and practices. Furthermore, there is a need for more comprehensive and accurate data on NT to inform policy and practice.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Prevention and management of neonatal Tetanus among nursing mothers. The specific objectives of the study are:

To assess the level of awareness and knowledge about neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers.
To evaluate the current practices and attitudes of nursing mothers towards the prevention and management of neonatal tetanus.
To identify the barriers and challenges faced by nursing mothers in preventing and managing neonatal tetanus.
To examine the effectiveness of existing health education programs on neonatal tetanus prevention and management among nursing mothers.
To propose evidence-based strategies and interventions to improve the prevention and management of neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions was stated for the study:

What is the level of awareness and knowledge about neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers?
What are the current practices and attitudes of nursing mothers towards the prevention and management of neonatal tetanus?
What are the barriers and challenges faced by nursing mothers in preventing and managing neonatal tetanus?
How effective are existing health education programs on neonatal tetanus prevention and management among nursing mothers?
What evidence-based strategies and interventions can be proposed to improve the prevention and management of neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement is stated below:

Ho: The level of awareness and knowledge has no significant effect on the treatment of neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers.

H₁: The level of awareness and knowledge has significant effect on the treatment of neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The prevention and management of neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers is a critical area of study due to its significant implications for public health. Neonatal tetanus is a severe and often fatal disease that primarily affects newborns, particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare services may be limited. Therefore, understanding the level of awareness and knowledge among nursing mothers about this condition is crucial in developing effective prevention and management strategies.

The findings could inform the development of targeted health education programs, which could significantly reduce the incidence of neonatal tetanus. This could lead to a decrease in neonatal mortality rates, contributing to the achievement of global health targets such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

This study could also have a significant impact on nursing practice. By identifying the current practices and attitudes of nursing mothers towards the prevention and management of neonatal tetanus, healthcare professionals can tailor their care and advice to address any misconceptions or gaps in knowledge. This could lead to improved patient outcomes and a higher quality of care.

The study’s significance lies in its potential to identify barriers and challenges faced by nursing mothers in preventing and managing neonatal tetanus. These insights could be used to develop interventions that address these barriers, making it easier for mothers to protect their newborns from this deadly disease.

The study could contribute to the existing body of literature on neonatal tetanus, adding valuable insights and data that could be used by other researchers in the field. This could lead to further advancements in the prevention and management of the disease, benefiting communities worldwide.

Lastly, the study’s significance is underscored by its potential to propose evidence-based strategies and interventions to improve the prevention and management of neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers. These strategies could be incorporated into public health initiatives, leading to a broader societal impact. The study, therefore, has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving neonatal health and survival rates.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the prevention and management of neonatal tetanus among nursing mothers. A study of selected mother child centres in Lagos.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Prevention: This refers to measures that are taken to stop something undesirable, such as a disease or condition, from happening. In the context of neonatal tetanus, prevention could involve strategies like immunization, proper hygiene during childbirth, and education about the disease.

Management: This term refers to the process of dealing with or controlling things or people. In a health context, management often refers to the ongoing care and treatment of a patient who has a certain condition. For neonatal tetanus, management could involve timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and follow-up care.

Neonatal Tetanus: Neonatal tetanus is a severe bacterial infection that affects newborns. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can enter the body through a wound or cut, often the umbilical stump in newborns. The disease can cause muscle stiffness and spasms and is often fatal if not treated promptly.

Nursing Mothers: Nursing mothers are women who are breastfeeding their infants. They play a crucial role in the prevention and management of neonatal tetanus, as they can pass on antibodies to the disease through their breast milk if they have been immunized.

Treatment: Treatment refers to the medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury. For neonatal tetanus, treatment often involves hospitalization, wound care, medications to control symptoms, and sometimes intensive care.

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Full Project – PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF NEONATAL TETANUS AMONG NURSING MOTHERS

Full Project – PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF NEONATAL TETANUS AMONG NURSING MOTHERS

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