Abstract: Skin-to-skin contact at birth is an evidence-based practice that promotes maternal-infant bonding, initiation of breastfeeding, and neonatal physiological stability. Although encouraged by global initiatives such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), routine adoption is still low. Nurses, as primary care providers in obstetric wards, play a major role in implementing SSC, yet their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are generally problematic. Within the Saudi Arabian context, additional cultural elements, including modesty concerns and limited standardized protocols, compound practice. This article provides a literature review underpinning a pre-post quasi-experimental study to determine the effectiveness of a structured educational program in enhancing nurses' KAP regarding SSC. Sixteen recent studies were examined to determine the benefits of SSC, nurses' current competencies, systemic and cultural barriers, and the impact of educational interventions. Evidence shows that while the benefits of SSC are well known, nurses' knowledge and practice gaps occur alongside generally positive attitudes. The evidence substantiates education as the most effective and culturally flexible answer to these barriers. The review constructs a strong argument for the proposed intervention, foreseeing that targeted education will improve nurses' SSC competency and adherence, resulting in improved maternal-infant health outcomes for Saudi obstetric hospitals.
Keywords: Skin-to-Skin Contact, Nursing Education, Obstetrics, Saudi Arabia, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Quasi-Experimental Study.
Title: Effectiveness of an Education Program on Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Skin-to-Skin Contact in Obstetrics Departments: A Pre-Post Quasi-Experimental Study
Author: Tarfa Yasser Bakhashwain
International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing
ISSN 2394-7330
Vol. 12, Issue 3, September 2025 - December 2025
Page No: 7-13
Novelty Journals
Website: www.noveltyjournals.com
Published Date: 10-September-2025