Effect of Yakson Touch Technique on Selected Health Outcomes among Preterm Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Rashed, Nagwa I.; Fathala, Amal A.; Nouh, Faten Mabrouk

doi:10.21608/menj.2023.322991

Effect of Yakson Touch Technique on Selected Health Outcomes among Preterm Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

² Assistant professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

10.21608/menj.2023.322991

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Multiple sources of stress can affect premature neonates hospitalized in the NICU. Therapeutic touch is thought to be a beneficial strategy to reduce stress in newborns. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Yakson touch technique on selected health outcomes among preterm neonates in the NICUs. Design: A quasi-experimental two-group (study and control) pre and post-test design was used. Setting: NICUs at Shebin El-Koom Teaching Hospital and El Gamea El Sharea for neonates at Shebin El-Koom city, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Sampling: A purposive sample of 60 preterm neonates. Instruments: Three instruments were utilized (preterm neonate’s baseline data assessment sheet, preterm neonates' physiological and physical measurements record and Anderson behavioral state scale (ABSS)). Results: There was a significant improvement in mean scores of preterm neonates’ vital signs and oxygen saturation in the study group after intervention than on pre intervention in all study days. There was a significant increase in mean scores of preterm neonates’ weight in the study group in the last day of intervention than on the 1st day (1599.00 ± 133.94 vs 1464.83 ± 89.48 respectively). Also, mean scores of preterm neonates’ behavioral state in the study group decreased after intervention compared to pre intervention in all study days. Furthermore, duration of hospitalization of preterm neonates in the study group was less than duration of hospitalization of neonates in the control group (12.90 ± 6.18 &17.96 ± 9.48 respectively). Conclusion: Yakson therapeutic touch significantly positively affected the stability of the preterm neonates' vital signs, the improvement of their weight, and the reduction of their behavioral state score and duration of hospitalization while they are being cared for in the NICU. Recommendation: All NICU nurses should receive training on Yakson therapeutic touch modality in order to integrate it into the NICU's care of preterm neonates.

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