Herald Reporter
Nurse representatives from Chitungwiza Central Hospital who took part in the Commonwealth Nurses Federation research competition have raised Zimbabwe’s flag high as their study outshone others from 52 participating countries.

Although Zimbabwe is not a member of the Commonwealth, the Zimbabwe Nurses Confederation remain affiliated to the  Commonwealth Nurses’ Federation, hence the nurses’ participation in the competition.

Chitungwiza Central Hospital senior tutor and researcher Mr Pisirai Ndarukwa said the nurses’ submissions, which were accepted by the federation, focused on three topics.

“The research was centred on views of student nurses with regards to the pregnancy policy; factors contributing to abortions and the relationship between knowledge and health-seeking behaviour among pregnant women between ages of 18 and 28 years,” Mr Ndarukwa said.
He said according to the research, the majority of student nurses who participated at the hospital pointed out that the pregnancy policy was unfair and did not consider their views as adults.

“One student nurse testified that she found her mother-in-law nursing a puppy as a mockery for her not bearing children.
“This is critically unfair and we wish that such issues be taken into consideration,” he said.
The study also recommends that the current pregnancy policy be reviewed to meet the needs of female student nurses and be gender sensitive.

The study further showed that many women were failing to access post-abortal care services leading to high incidences of morbidity and maternal death.
“This is due to the current laws that prohibit abortion, traditional and cultural practices and hospital costs among other issues,” he added.

Another senior tutor at the institution, Sister Unice Goshomi, said many women were now highly knowledgeable on complications associated with pregnancy.
“Many women know more about hypertension-induced blood pressure and how it can be managed through health-seeking behaviour,” she said.

She, however, said in their study they noted that about 70 percent of the participants sought faith healing services.
Chitungwiza is dominated by different Apostolic sects.

Thanks to the nurses’ outstanding performance, representatives from the Commonwealth Federation visited the institution last week.