Abstract
Introduction: Hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit may leads to many stresses for premature infants. Since premature infants cannot properly process stressors, identifying interventions that reduce the stress level for them is seems necessary. The aim of present study was to compare the effects of Field massage and Gentle Human Touch (GHT) techniques on the urine level of cortisol, as an indicator of stress in preterm infants. Methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial was carried out in Al-Zahra hospital, Tabriz. A total of 84 premature infants were randomly assigned into three groups. First groups were touched by their mothers three times a day (15 minutes in each session) for 5 days by GHT technique. The second group was received 15 minutes Field massage with sunflower oil three times a day by their mothers for 5 days. The third group received routine care. In all groups, 24-hours urine samples were collected in the first and sixth day after the intervention and analyzed for cortisol level. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: There were significant differences between mean of changes in cortisol level between GHT and control groups and Field massage and control groups (0.026). Conclusion: Although the massage with Field technique resulted in a significant reduction in blood cortisol level, but the GHT technique have also a similar effect. So, both methods are recommended for decreasing of stress in preterm infants.
Highlights
Hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit may leads to many stresses for premature infants
It should be noted that this increased survival is not associated with decrease in complications such as low birth weight and survived infants are more susceptible for problems such as severe disability, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and vision and hearing problems.[5]
Results of this study indicated that, in comparison with control group, Gentle Human Touch (GHT) and Field massage groups showed decrease in urine levels of cortisol
Summary
Hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit may leads to many stresses for premature infants. The aim of present study was to compare the effects of Field massage and Gentle Human Touch (GHT) techniques on the urine level of cortisol, as an indicator of stress in preterm infants. Results: There were significant differences between mean of changes in cortisol level between GHT and control groups and Field massage and control groups (0.026). Conclusion: the massage with Field technique resulted in a significant reduction in blood cortisol level, but the GHT technique have a similar effect. Both methods are recommended for decreasing of stress in preterm infants. The purpose of providing care for premature infants has changed from survival and prevention of major disabilities to normal brain development.[6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
