African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 133–142

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000147

Original Research Article

Title: Evaluation of Documentation Precision in Pediatric Intensive Care Records Following Digital Adaptation

Names of Authors: Funmilayo T. Adebayo¹, Chisomo T. Banda²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Nursing Services Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
²Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi

Abstract:
The clinical migration from analog charting to electronic healthcare records (EHR) frequently creates unexpected documentation omissions in critical care settings during early adoption windows. This retrospective audit evaluated nursing record precision and completeness within a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) six months following digital implementation. A validated 45-item chart evaluation checklist was applied to 280 randomly selected electronic pediatric files. Statistical analyses relied on paired t-tests and descriptive metrics. The audit revealed that while biometric telemetry data and intake-output monitoring indices were highly complete (92.5%), structured nursing diagnoses and localized pain assessment scores were omitted in 41.8% of the records. Medication administration recording errors were significantly higher during emergency resuscitations compared to routine care intervals (p < 0.005). Nurses cited system layout complexities (74.3%) and insufficient terminal availability at the bedside (62.1%) as prime contributors to delayed input behaviors. Continuous simulation-based documentation exercises and software shortcut optimizations are necessary to secure robust clinical record data in intensive environments.

Keywords: Pediatric Intensive Care; Electronic Health Records; Clinical Documentation; Nursing Audits; Data Completeness; Patient Safety.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 20, 2026; Revised August 11, 2026; Accepted August 28, 2026; Published September 09, 2026.

Citation: Adebayo, F. T., & Banda, C. T. (2026). Evaluation of Documentation Precision in Pediatric Intensive Care Records Following Digital Adaptation. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 133–142. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000147

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 124–132

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000146

Original Research Article

Title: Knowledge and Implementation of Standard Stroke Rehabilitation Protocols Among Medical-Surgical Nurses

Names of Authors: Memory N. Ncube¹, Adesola M. Ojo²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Maternal Health Unit, Gweru Provincial Hospital, Gweru, Zimbabwe
²Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract:
Early bedside neurological rehabilitation significantly lowers long-term disability parameters among stroke survivors, demanding proficient care execution from acute ward clinicians. This study evaluated the baseline clinical knowledge and routine implementation rates of early stroke rehabilitation protocols among medical-surgical nurses. A facility-based cross-sectional design surveyed 150 staff nurses across three general hospital systems using a standardized 30-item stroke management questionnaire and concurrent chart audits. Data analysis employed descriptive metrics and chi-square tests. The results demonstrated that while 68.0% of nurses accurately identified early mobilization windows (within 24 to 48 hours post-stabilization), correct and complete documentation of standard deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis and turning regimens was present in only 34.7% of audited stroke records. The primary barriers hindering protocol implementation included high patient-to-nurse workloads (82.7%), lack of interprofessional coordination with physical therapists (64.0%), and missing specialized position stabilizers. Nurses possessing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree demonstrated significantly better knowledge thresholds compared to diploma-holding peers (p = 0.015). Systematic nursing training and improved multi-professional communication channels are critical to bridge the gap between stroke knowledge and clinical performance.

Keywords: Stroke Rehabilitation; Clinical Protocols; Medical-Surgical Nursing; Early Mobilization; Patient Recovery; Workload.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 18, 2026; Revised August 08, 2026; Accepted August 26, 2026; Published September 07, 2026.

Citation: Ncube, M. N., & Ojo, A. M. (2026). Knowledge and Implementation of Standard Stroke Rehabilitation Protocols Among Medical-Surgical Nurses. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 124–132. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000146

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 115–123

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000145

Original Research Article

Title: Maternal Satisfaction with Midwifery-Led Triage Systems in Tertiary Obstetric Units

Names of Authors: Fatoumatta B. Jallow¹, Blessing N. Okechukwu²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Banjul, The Gambia
²School of Midwifery, Central Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract:
Overcrowding in tertiary obstetric emergency departments frequently results in delayed care and poor patient satisfaction. This study evaluated maternal satisfaction with a newly established midwifery-led obstetric triage system in a major metropolitan referral hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional exit survey was conducted with 340 postpartum women who were admitted through the triage unit. Maternal satisfaction was quantified using a modified 5-point Likert scale instrument, and independent predictors were isolated using multivariable logistic regression. The overall satisfaction rate with the midwifery-led triage framework reached 76.5%. The mean waiting time from arrival to clinical assessment dropped from 1.8 hours under the old model to 18.5 ± 4.2 minutes under the new system. Regression models confirmed that clear, empathetic communication of clinical urgency levels by the triage midwife (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.89–6.22, p < 0.001) and short waiting intervals (p = 0.004) were strongly predictive of excellent satisfaction ratings. Conversely, physical discomfort in the waiting reception was a major driver of low scores. The study demonstrates that structural decentralization of obstetric triage to specialized midwives optimizes patient throughput and enhances maternal care experiences.

Keywords: Obstetric Triage; Midwifery Care; Patient Satisfaction; Emergency Obstetric Care; Waiting Time; Maternal Experience.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 15, 2026; Revised August 06, 2026; Accepted August 24, 2026; Published September 04, 2026.

Citation: Jallow, F. B., & Okechukwu, B. N. (2026). Maternal Satisfaction with Midwifery-Led Triage Systems in Tertiary Obstetric Units. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 115–123. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000145

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 106–114

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000144

Original Research Article

Title: Predictors of Mental Health Literacy Among Psychiatric Nurses in Urban Mental Health Facilities

Names of Authors: Chidi E. Obi¹, Khadija A. Omar²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Mental Health Nursing, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
²School of Nursing Science, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract:
Psychiatric nurses play a pivotal role in bridging clinical mental health gaps, yet their level of mental health literacy regarding emerging neuropsychiatric conditions requires constant evaluation. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the predictors of clinical mental health literacy among specialized psychiatric nurses working in urban referral centers. A total of 165 psychiatric nurses completed a pre-validated, online adaptation of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) alongside an institutional resource evaluation index. Multiple linear regression models were executed to isolate significant organizational and demographic predictors. The aggregate mental health literacy score across the cohort stood at 71.4% (SD = ±5.8). Regression metrics demonstrated that continuous access to professional clinical workshops (beta = 0.38, p < 0.001) and personal attainment of a postgraduate specialty degree (beta = 0.29, p = 0.002) were strong standalone predictors of elevated literacy. Conversely, years of general nursing service showed no statistically significant association with MHLS performance. The findings indicate that while baseline literacy is stable, nuanced diagnostic updates are heavily dependent on formal continuing education rather than clinical longevity. Systemic implementation of routine training frameworks is vital to maintain diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy.

Keywords: Mental Health Literacy; Psychiatric Nursing; Continuous Education; Mental Health Services; Clinical Competence; Urban Healthcare.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 12, 2026; Revised August 04, 2026; Accepted August 22, 2026; Published September 02, 2026.

Citation: Obi, C. E., & Omar, K. A. (2026). Predictors of Mental Health Literacy Among Psychiatric Nurses in Urban Mental Health Facilities. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 106–114. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000144

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 96–105

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000143

Review Article

Title: Barriers to the Implementation of Clinical Nursing Research Findings in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Names of Authors: Emmanuel K. Nkem¹, Thembeka C. Khumalo²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
²Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South South Africa

Abstract:
Bridging the gap between contemporary nursing science and daily bedside practice is critical for establishing high-quality, evidence-based health delivery systems. This systematic review synthesized peer-reviewed literature published between 2016 and 2026 to classify the dominant barriers impeding the clinical translation of nursing research findings across Sub-Saharan healthcare settings. A comprehensive electronic database search was performed across PubMed, CINAHL, African Index Medicus, and Sabinet following standard PRISMA reporting protocols. Fourteen qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies met the full inclusion criteria and were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. The thematic synthesis revealed three primary levels of implementation failure: organizational barriers (predominantly acute shortages of clinical time, heavy patient care workloads, and absolute lack of financial backing for research dissemination), individual barriers (specifically low statistical literacy and lack of authority among staff nurses to alter hospital protocols), and communication barriers (poor access to medical libraries or digital research journals). To optimize clinical care standards, healthcare administrators must prioritize the creation of institutional research officer roles, dedicate paid clinical hours to evidence review, and foster collaborative, interprofessional policy committees.

Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice; Clinical Research; Translation Barriers; Nursing Administration; Systematic Review; Africa.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 05, 2026; Revised July 15, 2026; Accepted July 31, 2026; Published August 28, 2026.

Citation: Nkem, E. K., & Khumalo, T. C. (2026). Barriers to the Implementation of Clinical Nursing Research Findings in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(8), 96–105.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 87–95

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000142

Original Research Article

Title: Knowledge and Attitude of Primary Care Nurses Toward Integrated Cervical Cancer Screening Services

Names of Authors: Mulugeta G. Abebe¹, Tewodros W. Assefa²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹School of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
²Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract:
Cervical cancer is a prominent cause of oncology mortality among African women, yet early screening remains severely underutilized due to weak integration at primary healthcare tiers. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the baseline clinical knowledge, professional attitudes, and implementation barriers regarding visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening among primary care nurses. A total of 180 practicing primary health care nurses completed a validated, self-administered screening evaluation survey. Data analysis employed descriptive metrics, independent t-tests, and analysis of variance. The results indicated that only 31.7% of the participating nurses possessed a satisfactory level of clinical knowledge regarding cervical oncogenesis and VIA evaluation criteria. Despite this deficit, 88.3% displayed a highly positive professional attitude toward integrating screening workflows into their daily family planning clinics. The primary structural barriers to screening implementation identified included a lack of specific VIA training models (74.4%), missing speculums or acetic acid supplies (58.9%), and a lack of private consultation spaces. Nurses with more than five years of clinical service achieved significantly better attitude scores (p = 0.012). The study concludes that primary care nurses represent an underutilized asset for oncological prevention that remains constrained by clinical knowledge gaps and equipment deficits.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer Screening; Visual Inspection; Primary Care Nursing; Clinical Knowledge; Healthcare Integration; Africa.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 02, 2026; Revised July 12, 2026; Accepted July 29, 2026; Published August 24, 2026.

Citation: Abebe, G. M., & Assefa, W. T. (2026). Knowledge and Attitude of Primary Care Nurses Toward Integrated Cervical Cancer Screening Services. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(8), 87–95.