Massage Therapy Guidelines for Nurses Regarding Improving Weight of Preterm Neonates

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Technical Nursing Institute, Faculty of - Benha University

2 Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing ,Faculty of Nursing , Benha University

Abstract

Aim : this study was aimed to assess massage therapy guidelines for nurses regarding
improving weight of preterm neonates through; ass nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding
massage therapy and evaluate effect of massage therapy on preterm’ weight .Design:A quasiexperimental design was used to conduct the study .Setting :The study was carried out at
neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of Benha University Hospital ,Benha Teaching Hospital and
Specialized Pediatric Hospital .Sample :A simple random sample of 60 preterm neonates
admitted to the NICU and 60 nurses in the previously mentioned settings .Tools of data
collection :Two tools were used: tool (1) interviewing questionnaire including three parts and
tool (2) including three parts .Results :The results revealed that. Total knowledge was higher in
posttest than pretest. Total practice was higher on posttest than pretest. There was positive
correlation between total nurses' knowledge and their total practice on pretest and posttest.
There was a statistical significance correlation between total nurses' practice and total weight of
preterm neonates. Preterm neonates' weights improve at posttest than pretest .Conclusion :
The study concluded that, the guidelines were effective in improving nurses’ knowledge and
practice regarding preterm neonates massage therapy .Recommendations :the study
recommended that nurses need continuous training programs to improve their knowledge and
practice regarding preterm neonates massage therapy.

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