Midline evaluation training outcomes for primary care nurses on noncommunicable diseases in Hwange district

Abstract

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing global health concern, particularly in low-resource settings where access to screening tools, medications, and trained personnel is limited. In Zimbabwe, NCDs account for nearly 31% of total mortality, and primary care nurses (PCN) are critical to NCD prevention, surveillance, and management. This study evaluated the midline outcomes of a refresher training workshop for PCN in Hwange District.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a primary school in Hwange District, where healthcare professionals including a District Nursing Officer, a Primary Nurse Coordinator, and PCN were purposefully selected. Data were collected using Kobo Toolbox and supplemented by focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics (v28.0) and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

Results: The training significantly improved self-perceived knowledge in NCD prevention and management. Participants reported high competency in areas such as unhealthy diet prevention (mean 2.71) and respiratory infection management (mean 2.64), whereas lower scores were noted in air pollution surveillance (mean 1.93) and cancer management (mean 1.79). Qualitative feedback highlighted the value of interactive learning and community engagement, despite persistent challenges in resource availability.

Conclusion: The refresher training workshop markedly enhanced PCN’ self-perceived competencies in managing NCDs in a resource-constrained setting. However, gaps in areas such as cancer management and air pollution surveillance persist, emphasizing the need for ongoing training and systemic investments. Future studies should employ longitudinal designs to assess the sustainability of these outcomes.