Peer-reviewed article
Perceptions and experiences of nurses on the care of children with malnutrition under 5 years at Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia.
Malangu N, Amukugo HJ, Salomo S ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explored how nurses in a Namibian hospital perceive and experience caring for children under 5 years with malnutrition. Interviews with 11 nurses identified major barriers to care, including lack of specialised training, poor workplace relationships, and socio-economic challenges like poverty and gender-based violence. The research highlights the need for additional staff, resources, and specialised paediatric training to improve care for malnourished children.
Key points
- Nurses identified lack of specialised training as a significant barrier to caring for malnourished children
- Negative workplace relationships and systemic socio-economic challenges including poverty and gender-based violence were major obstacles
- Issues with availability and implementation of childcare guidelines were noted
- Nursing burnout is occurring due to high admission rates of malnourished children
- Nurses recommended recruitment of additional staff and development of malnutrition management guidelines
Limitations
This is a qualitative study based on perceptions and experiences of 11 nurses at one hospital facility, so findings may not be generalisable to other settings in Namibia or the broader region. The study does not measure actual outcomes for children or provide objective data on the effectiveness of different care practices.
Abstract
Background Malnutrition in children under 5 years commonly presents as stunting, wasting or micronutrient deficiencies. These conditions lead to high admission rates and nursing burnout at Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia. Despite this impact, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the perceptions and experiences of Namibian nurses in caring for these children. Aim This study explored and described the perceptions and experiences of nurses regarding the care of malnourished children under five in the paediatric ward. Setting The study was conducted in the paediatric ward of Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia. Methods A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and phenomenological design was employed. Data were collected from 11 nurses via purposive sampling through individual face-to-face interviews and analysed according to themes. Trustworthiness and ethical principles were rigorously applied. Results Five themes emerged: (1) patient and caregiver-related factors; (2) experiences of health facilities or institution-related factors; (3) perceived health provider-related challenges; (4) health provider perceptions of facilitators and recommendations; and (5) perceived legal factors. Conclusion Nurses identified significant barriers to care, including a lack of specialised training, negative workplace relationships and systemic socio-economic challenges like poverty and gender-based violence. Issues with health worker relationships and the availability of childcare acts and guidelines were also identified. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Social Services needs to recruit additional staff and ensure sufficient resources. Contribution This study identifies the need for specialised postgraduate paediatric training, providing a framework for the development of malnutrition management guidelines and establishing an evidence base for nurse-led community awareness programs.