The Effects of a Continuous Olfactory Stimulation Using Breast Milk (COSB) on Behavioral State and Physiological Responses in Korean Premature Infants

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of continuous olfactory stimulation with breast milk (COSB) on behavioral and physiologic states of Korean premature infants. Design and methodsWe examined the COSB effects on the behavioral states and physiological responses, including heart rate and oxygen saturation, in 30 premature infants using a non-equivalent control group pre- and post-test design. Sterile 2 cm × 2 cm gauzes wet with 2 cc breast milk were placed 10 cm away from the infants' nostrils 8 times per day for 3 consecutive days. We obtained five measurements each of the behavioral state, heart rate, and oxygen saturation of the premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. ResultsThe experiment group presented significantly reduced heart rate variations (p = .039). There were significant differences in the heart rate at all time-points in the control group (p < .001) but not in the experimental group, indicating more stable (p > .089) heart rates in the latter group. There were positive COSB effects on the behavioral states of premature infants at some time points. ConclusionsCOSB can be a useful intervention program for high-risk infants for partial behavioral state stabilization and significant heart rate stabilization. Practice implicationsCOSB might enable NICU nurses to provide a useful and safe developmental care plan for the premature infants hospitalized in the NICU to improve their physiologic and behavioral condition.