Nurses` Practices concerning Care of Transition to Oral Feeding in Preterm Neonate

Abstract

Background: Premature neonates often struggle with oral feeding due to physiological immaturity, necessitating skilled nursing support during the transition from tube to oral feeding. Knowledge Gap: Despite the critical role of nurses in this process, there is limited evidence on their practices and the factors influencing their effectiveness. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate nurses' practices in caring for neonates transitioning to oral feeding and to identify predictive factors, such as education and training, that influence these practices. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Batoul Training Hospital in the Diyala Governorate from October 2023 to February 2024. A non-probability convenience sample of 60 nurses was assessed using a 35-item checklist, validated by experts and tested for reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81). Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, with simple linear regression employed to identify relationships between nurses’ practices and demographic variables. Results: The findings revealed that 86.7% of nurses exhibited inadequate practices, with the majority (65.0%) having less than 5 years of experience and 85.0% not attending training courses. Regression analysis indicated that education level (p = 0.007) and attendance of training courses (p = 0.001) were significant predictors of practice quality. Novelty: This study is among the first to quantify the inadequacy of nurses' practices in the transition to oral feeding in a developing country context, highlighting education and training as critical areas for intervention. Implications: The results underscore the urgent need for healthcare organizations to implement comprehensive training programs and educational initiatives aimed at improving neonatal care practices, particularly in NICUs, to ensure better health outcomes for preterm infants. Highlights:   Significant nurse practice deficiencies in neonate oral feeding transition. Education and training crucial for improving nurse performance. Need for comprehensive neonatal care training programs.   Keywords: Premature neonates, oral feeding, neonatal care, nurse practices, training programs