Evaluation of Post-cesarean Section Nursing Care in Maternal and  Pediatric Teaching Hospitals

Gulala Abubakr Hussein; Iman Fadhil Omar; Renas Mohammed Khdhir

doi:10.15218/ejnm.2026.05

Authors

Gulala Abubakr Hussein Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Raparin University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Iman Fadhil Omar Department of Midwifery, Erbil Technical Medical Institute, Erbil polytechnic University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Renas Mohammed Khdhir Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Raparin University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15218/ejnm.2026.05

Keywords:

Nursing Care, Cesarean Section, Nurse.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The worldwide increase in cesarean section rates has become a major public health concern due to associated maternal and neonatal risks. Appropriate post-cesarean nursing care plays a vital role in preventing complications and promoting recovery. This study aimed to assess nurses’ performance in providing post-cesarean nursing care and to determine its association with selected socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at the Maternal and Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Raparin Administration from July 21 to September 1, 2025. The study included all 22 nurses working in the women’s ward (total population sampling) The sample size was small because it included all available nurses working in the women’s department. Data were collected using direct interviews and observational checklists. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied to examine associations between variables. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 47.5 ± 8.7 years (range: 32–61 years). Most nurses were married (90.9%), and 51% were graduates of secondary nursing school. Overall, the performance of post-cesarean nursing care was inadequate, particularly during the first 24 hours and at discharge. A highly significant association was found between nurses’ performance in providing care during the first 24 hours and their age, level of education, years of employment, and years of experience (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions: Post-cesarean nursing care in the studied hospital was generally inadequate. Nurses’ age, education level, and professional experience were significantly associated with care performance. Continuous training programs and regular supervision are recommended to improve the quality of post-cesarean nursing care, as they can enhance nurses' skills and knowledge, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

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