J Korean Acad Nurs.  2006 Aug;36(5):732-741.

Effects of Non-nutritive Sucking on the Physiological and Behavioral States of Pre-term Infants during Tube Feeding

• Joung KH
• Yoo IY
• Kim HS
• Kim S
• Lee JH

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the effects of non-nutritive sucking on physiological and behavioral state of pre-term infants during tube feeding. METHOD: This nonequivalent, non-synchronized experimental study included 50 pre-term infants. An attempt was made to match gestational age and birth weight of infants in each group. Infants in the experimental group were given a pacifier 2 minutes before, during, and for 2 minutes after tube feeding. Infants in the control group did not get a pacifier. Both groups were tested at three stages for changes in the physiologic state and behavioral state-2 minutes before, during, and 2 minutes after feeding. Date was analyzed with SPSS WIN 10.0 using an chi-square-test, t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULT: Heart rates and oxygen saturation levels of the two groups were significantly different(P=.001, P=.000). The behavioral states of the two groups were significantly different during and post feeding(P=.000, P=.000). CONCLUSION: This result suggests non-nutritive sucking by using a pacifier is an effective intervention for pre-term infants during tube feeding.

Keyword

Pre-term infant; Non-nutritive sucking; Pacifier; Physiological state; Behavioral state

MeSH Terms

*Enteral Nutrition
Female
Heart Rate
Humans
Infant
Infant Behavior/*physiology/psychology
Infant Care
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature/*physiology/psychology
Male
Oxygen Consumption
*Pacifiers