Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Students to Room Air Use in Neonatal Resuscitation at the Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: A substantial proportion of neonatal deaths is due to preventable causes related to birth asphyxia and inadequate newborn resuscitation, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Historically, 100% oxygen was routinely administered during neonatal resuscitation. However, evidence over the past two decades has demonstrated that the use of room air (21% oxygen) during initial resuscitation improves survival.

Objective: To assess the level of awareness, knowledge, and perception regarding the use of room air in neonatal resuscitation among medical students in Nigeria.

Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical medical students at Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria. The questionnaire was offered to all students in the three clinical classes; the participants responded via a self-administered structured questionnaire developed from international guidelines, completed anonymously over one month.

Results: Of the 151 respondents, 84.1% correctly identified 21% oxygen as the recommended concentration to initiate resuscitation. Awareness was significantly associated with educational level (87.2%), clinical rotations (88.9%; 72/81), observation (91.5%; 97/108), and practice (86.4%; 57/66) of neonatal resuscitation. Formal training on neonatal resuscitation was also related to better awareness (90.3%; 56/62).

Conclusion: Most medical students were aware of room air use in neonatal resuscitation, although gaps in this knowledge still exist. Enhanced training and simulation-based learning are required to improve adherence to current established practice guidelines.