A cross-sectional study was conducted at St. Theresa’s Hospital in Nkoranza, Bono East Region of Ghana, to assess clinicians’ knowledge and practice of neonatal resuscitation. This study examined clinicians’ knowledge and practice in the management of birth asphyxia. A descriptive cross-section was employed in the analysis of the 42 participating clinicians working at maternity and postnatal units. Knowledge and practice are supposed to be two sides of the same coin. However, clinicians’ knowledge of neonatal resuscitation did not reflect in their practice, even though in some areas they proved to be as proficient as they were supposed to be. Almost half of the clinicians were unable to indicate common indications for neonatal resuscitation, which made their practice very poor. There is no doubt that clinicians face challenges in the clinical setting that could be the cause of their poor performance. Neonatal resuscitation is a procedure in that anticipation and preparation alone could do a halfway job, however, only 6(14.3%) were able to identify preparedness as a salient point in neonatal resuscitation. However, doctors and midwives performed better than other clinicians did. Infrequent training makes CPR knowledge and skills decay within 3 to 12 months after training, whereas most of the respondents had their last training over a year ago. However, the study recommends that the government establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided for newborns with birth asphyxia. This can include regular audits, clinical supervision, and feedback sessions to identify areas for improvement and provide ongoing support to clinicians.

Keywords: Clinicians, birth asphyxia, clinicians’ knowledge, neonatal resuscitation, Ghana

Corresponding author: Professor Prudence Portia Mwini-Nyaledzigbor. E-mail: prudence.mwini@gmail.com

Received: 17/April/2023, Accepted: 21/June/2023, Online: 15/July/2023