The Effect of Short Duration Skin to Skin Contact on Premature Infants' Physiological and Behavioral Outcomes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed at assessing the effect of short duration Skin to skin contact (SSC) (5 days) on premature infants' short-term physiological and behavioral outcomes. Design and methodsA quasi-experimental control group design was utilized. 89 stable premature infants were allocated to either an interventional or control group. ResultsResults showed that in comparison to the control group, newborns in the SSC group demonstrated higher weight gain (g/day) from day 3–5 of practicing SSC (53.7 g Vs. 32.6 g; P < .05), experienced significantly fewer numbers of apneas (48% Vs. 33.3%; P = .001), and were less likely to use formula feeding (60% Vs. 90%) and more likely to use mixed feeding (formula and breastfeeding) at discharge (33.3% Vs. 10%). Significant differences were also found in the crying, and sleeping patterns of the infants; infants of mothers who practiced SSC were less likely to cry in a continuous pattern and more likely to experience good sleep than infants in the control group. ConclusionsThe study highlights the importance of the early and short duration of SSC for premature infants. Practice implicationsThe initiation of SSC in the first few days of life may have a significant influence on the newborn's short-term outcomes.