Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses Working at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul on Malnutrition Management

Since malnutrition is a factor that has its long time history in the sub-Saharan countries and Gambia is not an exception, the extent to which this menace can be controlled should be made known to all especially the healthcare givers. This study aims at assessing the knowledge and practice of nurses working at the country’s main referral hospital (Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital Pediatric Unit) on severe acute malnutrition (SAM) management and also to determine the practices of these nurses regarding the management of cases. The methodology involved is a descriptive cross sectional design. A descriptive cross sectional study was made to identify and describe the variables within an identified situation at a point in time. The results shows 88% benefited from the childhood malnutrition during their nursing program however, only 36% have undergone in-service training or workshop on management of SAM. 44% encountered the display of SAM protocol in the pediatric ward 86% positive awareness for causes of death due to malnutrition and wasting 64%. Only 40% really know the standardized criteria for the diagnosis. 68% were able to define the acronym ReSoMal and a rather unfortunate number (44%) of the respondent could not trace the formula for calculating ReSoMal. Only 48% were able to accurately figure out the preferred method of giving fluids/feeds to a child with malnutrition. 58% knew what should be given to a dosage booster for a child with SAM less than 6 months of age. For a child between 6 to 11 months of age, and 12 to 59 months were 28% and 56% respectively, and increasing 60% are well informed about the respective vitamin dosage booster. For the volume of feeding that should be used for a child with malnutrition and without edema, 52% are aware of it. Prior to discharge, the need to investigate and counsel on HIV and TB are understood by 88% of the respondents. In conclusion, although the overall respondents on key issues stood positive, there is a need for ground settings regarding nurse education on malnutrition forms.

Keywords: sever acute malnutrition,