Effect of Physical Stimulation on Premature Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Abstract

Globally, prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5. And in almost all countries with reliable data, preterm birth are increasing .Therefore, the purpose of the study was to identify the effect of physical stimulation on the weight of premature very low birth weight infants as well as their period of hospitalization .This study was conducted in NICUs of El-Menoufia University hospital and El Gamia El-sharaia NICU in Shebin El-kom city at El-Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. A quasi experimental design was used. A purposive sample of 60 premature very low birth weight infants was included. Newborn were randomly assigned into two equal groups. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection; it included newborn gestational age, birth weight, gender, feeding routes, vital signs, associated medical problems and oxygen saturation. The findings of this study revealed that, a daily physical stimulation led to a better weight gain of premature very low birth weight infants (PVLBWI).. In conclusion, implementation of a physical stimulation intervention was associated with a greater weight gain in premature VLBW infants. It is recommended that, physical stimulation intervention should be included in the standard care of premature very low birth weight infants in neonatal intensive care unit.