A Nurse-Guided Maternal Interventional Package to Alleviate Neonatal Stress

A new study evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse-guided maternal intervention package in reducing stress behaviors among preterm neonates in the NICU.

This randomized controlled trial included 100 mothers, and their preterm infants admitted consecutively to the NICU over a four-month period. The intervention group (n = 50) received education and demonstrations on maternal touch, facilitated tucking, kangaroo mother care (KMC), non-nutritive sucking (NNS), nesting, and maternal voice, along with a handout in the local language for five consecutive days. The control group (n = 50) received routine care, including KMC and NNS, for five days. Neonates were assessed before and after the five-day intervention using the modified Infant Positioning Assessment Tool (IPAT), Neonatal Stress Scale, and Preterm Neonate’s Behavior Assessment Scale.

The results showed that the mean (SD) positioning score was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. The median (IQR) stress score was significantly lower in the intervention group. The mean (SD) scores for autonomic and visceral subsystem behavioral responses were significantly higher in the intervention group. The mean (SD) attention interaction subsystem behavioral response score was also significantly higher in the intervention group.

The findings suggested that the nurse-guided training for mothers on managing neonatal stress behaviors significantly improves positioning, behavioral responses, and reduces stress scores in NICU-admitted neonates. Therefore, this nurse-led maternal education on developmentally supportive care can effectively reduce stress and enhance behavioral outcomes in preterm neonates.

Source: Sanjoli, Choudhary A, Mukhopadhyay K, et al. Indian Pediatrics. 2024 May;61(5):435-40.