Self-Efficacy and Determinants of Newborn Resuscitation Practices among Healthcare Professionals in Chipata District, Eastern Province, Zambia

Background: Effective newborn resuscitation in healthcare institutions depends on factors like supervisor support, knowledge, availability of functional equipment, and self-efficacy of healthcare professionals. This study investigated self-efficacy and related factors in newborn resuscitation among healthcare professionals in Chipata District Health facilities. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 85 healthcare professionals selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on self-efficacy for newborn resuscitation, completed after obtaining consent. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, employing Pearson chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. A multivariate binary logistic regression model analyzed associated factors, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall, 69% of respondents exhibited high self-efficacy in newborn resuscitation. Among females, 88.5% reported low self-efficacy compared to 11.5% of males. High self-efficacy was seen in 83.1% of those trained in the past five years. Additionally, 58.8% demonstrated high knowledge levels. Supervisor support was reported by 56%, but 85.7% of facilities lacked functional resuscitation equipment and supplies. Conclusion: Despite high self-efficacy levels, gaps remain in the provision of newborn resuscitation and professional self-efficacy. Ineffective supervision and lack of resuscitation equipment hindered practice experience and full commitment, especially among female participants.