Effect of Facilitated Tucking and Gustatory Stimulation on Preterm Neonates’ Physical Growth and Behavioral Regulation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant professor, Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

2 Assistant professor, Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University

Abstract

Facilitated Tucking (FT) position as an innovative nursing approach and Gustatory Stimulation (GS) would mimic the feeling of being held within mother's hug. Purpose: To determine the effect of FT and GS on preterm neonates’ physical growth and behavioral regulation.  Research Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Setting: This study was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Abo Hommos Hospital for Children, Damanhour City, Al-Behira Governorate, Egypt. Sampling: A consecutive sample of 60 preterm neonates who achieved the inclusion criteria were equally allocated into intervention and control groups. Instruments: Three instruments were used. Instrument one: Preterm Neonates’ Characteristics and Medical Data Assessment Record. Instrument two: Preterm Neonates’ Physical Growth Indices Record. Instrument three: Preterm Neonate’s Behavior Assessment Scale. Results: Neonates in the intervention group gained greater weight at the second and last assessments than neonates in the control one, with the final assessment showed a statistically significant difference (p= 0.003). The percentage of neonates in the intervention group who exhibit normal behavior are greater than neonates in the control one at the second and last assessments. Conclusion: Facilitated tucking and GS for preterm neonates was effective in improving weight gain, autonomic visceral neurophysiological responses and state regulation and attention- interaction. Recommendation: Facilitated tucking and GS should be incorporated into the care of premature infants in NICUs.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics