Evaluation of retention of knowledge, skill and competency of health workers one year after completion of the Helping Babies Breathe training program in South Sudan

Introduction: The aim of the study is t o evaluate the long-term retention of knowledge, skill and competency of health workers who completed Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training and effect on newborn mortality. Methods: The study employed pre-post-interventions study and participants were selected based on their previous training on HBB protocols. Health workers were assessed for knowledge, skill and competency pre, post training in March, and 3 months in June 2017 and 1-year post implementation in September 2018.  Health workers were scored on knowledge, skill and competency. The mean score was obtained and repeated ANOVA, chi-squared test and Pearson’s test was used to compare pre- and post-intervention and one-year implementation. Retention of health worker’s knowledge, skill and competency was assessed using the HBB questionnaires, checklist, practical skill and drills, and were scored on knowledge, skill and competency. The scores were computed into percentages, mean scores and mean differences, and compared against scores at 3 months and 1 year. Impact on management of newborn asphyxia was conducted using a review of delivery registry at maternity and children ward scores were group into percentages, averages means, computed using the Chi-square test. Results: Helping Babies Breathe has shown a significant increase in knowledge, skill and competency post-test and three months. Despite the improvement in knowledge, skills and competency of the health within the three months of training, there was marked decline over 1-year period. Conclusions: Immediate evaluation of the health workers after Helping Babies Breathe training resulted into significant increase in knowledge, skills and competency in neonatal resuscitation although this declined over period of one year. The training also resulted into decrease in neonatal mortality.