The knowledge, attitude and practice of the primary and secondary care nurse–midwife practitioners on developmental dysplasia of hip

SummaryA detailed clinical examination of the newborn performed by nurse–midwife practitioners has been recommended as a standard practice throughout the most western countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of the primary and secondary care nurse–midwife practitioners on developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) before and after a structured lesson. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, pre- and post-test. The number of participants from primary care and secondary care nurse–midwife practitioners were 155 and 208, respectively. A structured questionnaire consisting of 28 statements of medical and practical knowledge, and traditional attitudes with regard to DDH was administered. The results determined that the pre-test scores were much lower than the post-test scores of both primary and secondary care practitioners. Although there was a lack of knowledge about DDH in both groups, the pre-test and post-test scores were higher in the primary care group compared to the secondary care group. In conclusion, the knowledge, attitude and practice of the primary and secondary care nurse–midwife practitioners on developmental dysplasia of hip are in need of improvement. This improvement may be provided by continuing education programmes.