Assessment of Neonatal Resuscitation Skills Among Healthcare Workers at District Hospitals in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Birth asphyxia is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality in Nigeria, yet many healthcare workers at district hospitals lack the skills to perform effective neonatal resuscitation. This cross-sectional evaluative study assesses neonatal resuscitation knowledge and skills among healthcare providers at district hospitals in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A total of 118 doctors, nurses, and midwives from eight district hospitals in Zaria, Kafanchan, and Soba participated. A validated structured questionnaire assessed theoretical knowledge of resuscitation steps, and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations evaluated practical resuscitation skills using neonatal manikins. Overall theoretical knowledge score was adequate (above 60%) in 54.2% of respondents. However, practical skill performance was adequate in only 38.1% of participants. Correct bag-mask ventilation technique was demonstrated by only 31.4% of providers. Doctors performed significantly better than nurses and midwives in both knowledge and skill domains. Only 28.8% of respondents had received formal neonatal resuscitation training in the preceding two years. Equipment deficiencies, including non-functional bag-mask devices, were identified in 37.5% of facilities. The study recommends mandatory periodic training in neonatal resuscitation for all delivery room staff, simulation-based learning, and regular equipment maintenance audits at district hospital level. Keywords: neonatal resuscitation, birth asphyxia, healthcare workers, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria.