Neonatal Resuscitation Knowledge and Practices of Moroccan Midwives and Nurses at a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Neonatal resuscitation (NR) is a critical competency for midwives and nurses. Gaps in knowledge and practice contribute to neonatal mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objectives: This study aimed to assess NR knowledge and self-reported practices among midwives and nurses working in the delivery room and the pediatric emergency department. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 at a public university hospital in central Morocco. A total of 46 eligible nurses and midwives were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing participants’ demographic characteristics, knowledge, and practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t tests, and chi-square tests. Results: Only 13.0% of participants demonstrated good NR knowledge, whereas 50.0% had moderate knowledge and 36.9% had low knowledge. Participants who received continuous training had significantly higher knowledge and practice scores than those who did not (mean difference = 10.6%, P = 0.008; and mean difference = 9.4%, P = 0.016, respectively). Important practice gaps were identified in thermoregulation (22.0% correct), compression depth (52.2% correct), and adrenaline administration via the umbilical vein (37.0% correct). Conclusions: NR knowledge and self-reported practices among Moroccan midwives and nurses were suboptimal. Continuous training was associated with greater competency, supporting the implementation of regular simulation-based training and standardized NR education programs.