A Study to Assess and Evaluate the Effect of Nesting on Physiological Parameters and Comfort Behavior of Preterm Infants Admitted in NICU of Selected Hospitals in Punjab and Haryana

Abstract

Preterm infants are born with physiological handicaps. The sensory impact of the NICU has been postulated to influence the physiological, neuro-development outcome of preterm infants and the quality of life of these newborns. A study was conducted with the objectives to assess and evaluate the the physiological parameters (temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and oxygen saturation level) of preterm infants before and during ‘nesting’ and to assess and evaluate the comfort behavior of preterm infants before and during ‘nesting’. Total 30 preterm infants were selected purposively and data was collected using physiological parameter record sheet and modified comfort behavior scale. Temperature was assessed using digital thermometer, respiratory rate by counting rise and fall in the chest, pulse oxymeter was used to assess heart rate and oxygen saturation level. The findings of study revealed that there was significant effect of ‘nesting’ at 60^th and 120^th min on temperature (‘t’(29)= 7.86,11.2), respiratory rate(( ‘t’(29)= 6.43,5.03 ), heart rate ((t(29)= 6.61,2.47) and comfort behavior of preterm infants (‘t’(29)= 22.48, 22.03). there was no significant effect of ‘nesting’ on oxygen saturation level (‘t’ (29) = 0.80,1.08) of preterm infants.