Effect of Gustatory versus Auditory Stimulations on Physiological and Behavioral Indicators of Neonates undergoing Endotracheal Suctioning

Background: Neonatal stress is often poorly managed and many stressful procedures
such as suctioning are carried out without paying attention to relieve stress. So,
gustatory and auditory sensory stimulations help nurses provide developmental care
for neonates during stressful procedures. Aim: This study aimed to determine the
effect of gustatory versus auditory stimulation on physiological and behavioral
indicators of neonates during endotracheal suctioning. Hypothesis: Neonates who
receive gustatory stimulation exhibit stable physiological and behavioral indicators
than those who do not. Neonates who receive auditory stimulation exhibit stable
physiological and behavioral indicators those who do not. Design: A quasi
experimental design was used to accomplish this study. Setting: This research was
carried out in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at specialized Smouha hospital in
Alexandria. Sample: This study comprised of 75 neonates. Data collection: Two tools
were used namely; Bio-demographic characteristics and medical history of neonates'
assessment sheet which includes characteristics of neonates and their medical data and
Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Results: The main result showed that, after suctioning, all
neonates in the gustatory stimulation group and the majority in the auditory stimulation
group exhibited stability in physiological and behavior indicators compared to none of
the neonates in the control group. Moreover, three quarters of the neonates among the
control group had severe level of stress compared to none of neonates among the
gustatory and auditory stimulations groups. The difference was statistically significant
between the three groups(p=0.000). Conclusion: gustatory and auditory stimulations
were effective in improving neonates' physiological and behavioral indicators of stress
during and after endotracheal tube suctioning. Recommendation: Gustatory and
auditory stimulations should be incorporated in NICUs policies to relive neonate stress
during stressful procedures.