Abstract
Sucking plays a key role in the life of the infant. Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is considered a part of developmental care in preterm neonate. The NNS is a simple intervention that may assist the preterm infant in achieving physiologic homeostasis, which includes heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. The use of prefeeding NNS is an intervention to improve feeding outcome and increase comfort for preterm infant with nasogastric tube feeding. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of NNS on promoting physiologic stability and nutrition among preterm infants at the neonatal intensive care units in El Manial University Hospital and El Monira Hospital. A quasi experimental design was utilized. The following research hypotheses were formulated: Preterm infants who will receive NNS will have physiologic stability and sustain earlier full oral feeding than those who do not. A sample of convenience of 60 preterm infants was recruited for this study. Data were collected by using a tool modified by the investigator and revised by experts to confirm its validity. The results of this study revealed highly significant differences regarding sucking activity, method of feeding, amount and type of milk, gastric residue and the feeding problems and statistically significant differences regarding the time required to sustain full oral feeding, duration of hospital stay, weight at starting and ending the study and oxygen saturation. However there were no significant differences regarding heart rate and respiratory rate. This study recommended applying the NNS as a routine care in neonatal intensive care units. Replication of the study on preterm infants who are for long period on ventilator, as well as the preterm infants who are receiving nothing per mouth, and assessing the impact of NNS on pain relief.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬Key words: Non-nutritive Sucking, Preterm Infants, Physiologic Homeostasis and Nutrition.
