An evaluation of the knowledge of the registered midwives managing hypertensive disorders at primary health care level in the Eastern Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Hypertensive disorders are one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in South Africa. The morbidity and mortality rate can be decreased by early detection and management of hypertensive disorders at primary health care Level. The midwives should therefore be knowledgeable and competent in the assessment and diagnosis of pregnant women who are at risk of developing a hypertensive disorder, and be able to manage the problem. The purpose of the study was to investigate scientifically the knowledge of the registered midwives managing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy working at primary health care level in the Eastern Cape. The objectives set for the study were to investigate the knowledge of the registered midwives in the following areas: • Knowledge about hypertensive disorders • Assessment • Diagnosis• ManagementA descriptive correlational research design was applied with a quantitative approach to investigate scientifically the knowledge of the registered midwives managing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The target population included all the registered midwives working permanently in primary health care clinics in the Buffalo City Local Service Area. A stratified random sample of n=43 (44%) of a population of N=98 clinics both in rural and urban were selected together with a sample of n=101(44%) of N=228 registered midwives working in these clinics. A questionnaire consisting of predominantly closed questions was used for the collection of data, collected personally by the researcher. Ethical approval was obtained from Stellenbosch University, Department of Health and individual informed consent. A pilot study, which did not form part of the study, was conducted to test the questionnaire at the clinics. A 10% (n=10) sample of the registered midwives of 4 clinics participated in the pilot study. The validity and reliability was assured through the pilot study, the use of a statistician, as well as experts in midwifery, nursing and a research methodologist.The data was analysed and presented in tables and histograms. Statistical correlational tests were done to determine any correlations between the variables. Findings obtained show that inadequate knowledge exists among participants with specific reference to knowledge, assessment, diagnosis and management about hypertensive disorders. A statistical correlation was shown between the presence of doctors and the knowledge of the midwives using the Mann-Whitney statistical test (p=0.04). In clinics where there are no doctors' visits, the knowledge of the staff was higher (0.691), than the total knowledge mean score (0.666). Where doctors are regularly visiting the clinics the mean knowledge score is lower (0.656). These results show that where midwives do not have any additional support as when there are doctors present, individual effort is made to keep up to date as they are practising as independent practitioners. Recommendations are based on the scientific evidence which emphasis further education in advanced midwifery, workshops, conferences, updating their knowledge and weekly in-service training, introduction of a quality assurance and patient education programmes. In conclusion empowering the midwives with the required knowledge about hypertensive disorders will contribute towards decreasing the mortality and morbidity rates.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University