Nursing role in minimizing obstetric risks in adolescents in the immediate postpartum period

Abstract

Despite advances in the science of nursing care, there is still a need to deepen the knowledge of nursing staff in the Honduran health system about their essential role in caring for adolescents during the postpartum period. This is key to the early identification of warning signs, the prevention of complications, and compliance with the protocols established in the national maternal-neonatal standard. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe nursing care aimed at reducing obstetric risks in the immediate postpartum period of adolescents cared for at the Leonardo Martínez Valenzuela Hospital, San Pedro Sula, Cortés, in the period from April to November 2022. Patients and methods: A mixed study with a nested observational approach was designed. In the quantitative phase, a probability sampling was used that included 118 adolescent postpartum women and an observation of the nursing staff was carried out, made up of 4 graduates and 16 nursing assistants. In the qualitative phase, 6 professionals, 16 nursing assistants and 16 adolescent postpartum women were included, through a non-probabilistic sampling. Questionnaires, direct observation, interviews and focus groups were used as data collection instruments. Results: Of the total of 118 adolescent postpartum women, 72 (61%) were between 14 and 16 years old, and the majority had an incomplete secondary education level (47; 39.8%). It was identified that 98 (83.1%) were going through their first pregnancy. Regarding the clinical evaluation, 99 (83.9%) of the adolescent mothers indicated that the nursing staff took their vital signs constantly; however, the observation revealed that this procedure was not carried out in the delivery area. Among the main difficulties mentioned by the nursing staff are the rebellious attitude of the adolescents and the mistrust, which limits the adequate clinical evaluation. Conclusion: Nursing care provided to adolescent postpartum women was found to be partial, as it focused on generalized care. In addition, challenges in care practice were identified, such as resistance and immaturity of adolescents, which makes it difficult to implement measures to prevent risks during the postpartum period.