RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The oral nutrition is big challenge for preterm neonates. Since the best oral feeding method for preterm neonates is not yet known, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cup, syringe, and finger feeding methods on reaching the time of full oral feeding and weight gain among preterm neonates. METHOD: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 99 preterm neonate's, born at 30-34 weeks gestation, admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Al-Zahra and Taleghani Therapeutic-Educational Centers in Tabriz, Iran. Subjects were assigned into finger feeding (n = 33), cup feeding (n = 33), and syringe feeding (n = 33) groups in the allocation ratio of 1:1:1 using block randomization with a block size 6 and 9. They were studied in terms of reaching the time of full oral feeding and weight gain. The data were analyzed using SPSS/version21 software, and ANOVA, chi-square, and ANCOVA tests. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean score of reaching the time of full oral feeding among cup, finger, and syringe feeding groups (p = 0.652). The mean score of daily weight gain, oxygen saturation (SaO2), and heart rate after feeding was not significantly different among the three groups (p > 0.05). The effect of confounding variables, including birth weight and age, arterial oxygen saturation, and heart rate before feeding, was controlled. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, one of the cup, finger, and syringe feeding methods can be applied in the NICU, considering the staff's proficiency in feeding neonates. Trial registration IRCT20150424021917N11.
Asunto(s)
Recien Nacido Prematuro , Jeringas , Recién Nacido , Humanos , Recien Nacido Prematuro/fisiología , Métodos de Alimentación , Edad Gestacional , Aumento de PesoRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Many studies support the positive short and long-term developmental care for premature infants. This study aimed to determine the congruence of nurses' activity in four areas of developmental care in order to obtain basic information for authorities to provide a program to achieve related standards in the future. METHODS: The study was performed on 70 nurses working in neonatal intensive care units in Tabriz, Iran. Nurses answered to a questionnaire retrieved from Robison's developmental program. Content validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha) of translated version were evaluated. Data were analysed using SPSS. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) of total score was 3.06 (0.44). It was 3.02 (0.50) for individualized care, 3.01 (0.63) for appropriate development environment for the child and family, 3 (0.46) in supporting family relationship and approving the relationship between infant and family and 3.22 (0.56) for collaboration among all care factors. Score 4 was considered as completely meet standards. Therefore, a mean of 3.20 and above was considered as observance higher than 80% and was favorable. The Friedman test showed statistically significant difference among the activities related to the four areas (p = 0.001). The collaboration field had the highest mean score and providing services in this field had more congruence with the related standard of developmental care. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the congruence of nurses' performance with standards of developmental care still requires more efforts. Therefore, it is necessary to train the staff in this regard and prepare them for structural and functional facilities.