Effectiveness of a Structured Health Education Programme on Knowledge and Practices Regarding Newborn Care and Danger Signs among Nursing Students of a Selected Nursing College of Rajasthan: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Newborns are particularly vulnerable to health problems during the neonatal period. Adequate knowledge regarding essential newborn care and recognition of danger signs is important for nursing students because they are future healthcare professionals who may provide direct care and health education to mothers and families. Structured educational interventions may strengthen their knowledge and practical skills related to newborn care.

Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was adopted. A sample of 100 nursing students was selected using a purposive sampling technique and equally divided into experimental and control groups, with 50 students in each group. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a practice checklist regarding newborn care and danger signs. The experimental group received a structured health education programme, whereas the control group received routine academic instruction.

Results: The mean knowledge score of the experimental group increased from 14.16 ± 3.21 in the pre-test to 25.12 ± 2.48 in the post-test. The mean practice score increased from 11.38 ± 2.63 to 17.56 ± 1.74. The improvement in both knowledge and practice scores was statistically significant at p <0.001. The control group showed comparatively smaller improvement.

Conclusion: The structured health education programme was effective in improving knowledge and practices regarding newborn care and danger signs among nursing students.