Knowledge level of Neonatal Resuscitation and Its Associated factors among Healthcare Professionals at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, in Southeast Ethiopia.

Abstract Background: Neonatal resuscitation is a critical intervention to save newborns’ life from the state of asphyxia. When performed Effectively by knowledgeable healthcare providers, it can significantly reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with birth asphyxia. However, studies have shown that many health professionals, particularly in low-resource settings like Ethiopia, lack adequate knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge level of health professionals towards neonatal resuscitation and its associated factors. Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The survey targeted all health professionals working in the Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care Units of the hospital. Data were entered and verified using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. A binary logistic regression model was used and, a P-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare a statistically significant association. Results: The study showed that the majority, 83.2% of health professionals had poor knowledge regarding neonatal resuscitation. Factors significantly associated with a knowledge level of neonatal resuscitation were, being trained in neonatal resuscitation (AOR = 5.39, 95% CI [1.44-20.20]), being male (AOR = 5.80, 95% CI [1.16–29.09]), belonging to a specific profession (AOR = 8.94, 95% CI [1.36-58.68]), receiving supportive supervision (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI [1.01, 11.43]), and achieving a good attitude score (AOR = 5.36, 95% CI [1.52, 18.87]). Conclusion: The overall knowledge level of health professionals regarding Neonatal Resuscitation was poor. Factors significantly associated with participants’ knowledge include receiving neonatal resuscitation training, having supportive supervision, belonging to a specific profession, being male, and achieving a good Attitude score. Therefore, to improve knowledge retention, it is recommended to organize regular and simulation-based neonatal resuscitation training. Furthermore, incorporating basic neonatal resuscitation procedures into undergraduate and postgraduate medical education can enhance students’ knowledge as they serve in the community.