Examination of the Assessment of Essential Newborn Care (ENC) Techniques and Influencing Factors among Midwives in Chosen Healthcare Facilities in Esan Central Local Government, Edo State

Introduction: Newborns, being extremely delicate, necessitate careful attention to safeguard their well-being and survival. Nonetheless, despite the crucial role of essential newborn care (ENC) in mitigating child mortality, it frequently doesn't receive the necessary focus, resulting in avoidable deaths. This research sought to assess ENC practices among midwives at specific healthcare facilities in Esan Central Local Government, Edo State, Nigeria.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics, essential newborn care (ENC) practices, factors affecting ENC, and determinants of ENC practice among midwives in the research area. Method of Analysis: A descriptive survey design employing a cross-sectional approach was utilized. A total of 300 midwives were purposefully selected from various healthcare centers. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The study disclosed diverse demographic profiles among participants, with significant percentages falling within the 20-29 (35.7%) and 30-39 (40.0%) age brackets. Majority of deliveries were attended by skilled birth attendants (98.7%), and favorable responses were noted for practices such as promoting thermal regulation (93.4%) and providing clean cord care (91.9%). However, deficiencies were identified in specific practices, including delayed cord clamping (14.3%) and utilization of partographs (12.5%). Factors influencing ENC practices included inadequate knowledge of ENC (62.5% Strongly Agree, 33.1% Agree), insufficient infection prevention and control skills (53.8% Strongly Agree, 43.1% Agree), and staffing shortages. Inadequate knowledge of midwifery care emerged as a significant concern (62.5% Strongly Agree). While no significant correlation was found between age, professional qualifications, and years of working experience with ENC practice, a near-significant correlation was observed with rank. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study emphasizes the necessity of addressing gaps and obstacles in ENC practices among midwives. Continuous education and training initiatives, enhanced staffing levels, and interventions addressing socioeconomic disparities and cultural influences are essential for improving the quality of essential newborn care provision