Status and related factors of the performance of oral feeding in premature

Abstract

Objective To observe the performance of oral feeding in premature and to analyze its related factors so as to provide a basis for scientific management transforming from tube feeding to oral feeding. Methods This study designed the oral feeding observation table for premature by ourselves based on literature at home and abroad and revised by experts. Prospective observation and record was used to the rate and effects of feeding at the beginning of oral feeding and when the oral feeding was complete in 109 premature of neonatal intensive care unit at a class Ⅲ grade A hospital in Wenzhou from July 2015 to January 2016. The data were analyzed by the SPSS 19.0. Results There were statistically significant differences at the rate and effects of feeding in premature among different gestational ages, birth weight and Cornell medical indexes (P<0.05) . When oral feeding was complete, there was a statistically significant difference at the rate of feeding in premature among different birth weight (P<0.05) . Conclusions The feeding performance of premature is influenced by the gestational ages, birth weight and Cornell medical indexes at the beginning of oral feeding. With the growing experience in feeding, premature have good feeding performance when oral feeding was complete. Health care providers should select feeding patterns rationally according to the condition of premature and so on and promote the acquisition of independently oral feeding. Key words: Infant, premature; Oral feeding; Feeding performance