Assessing neonatal nurses: transitioning preterm infants to oral feeding - a multicenter cross-sectional study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02647-9
• Publication Date: 2025-01-09T08:54:27Z
• Authors: Abdelaziz Hendy; Yasmine M. Osman; Hanan F. Alharbi; Maha Suwailem Shu...; Mohammed Musaed A...; Naif S. Alzahrani; Ahmed Hendy; Abdulaziz Mofdy A...
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

Abstract Background In Egypt, approximately 10% of preterm deliveries occur between 32 and fewer than 37 weeks, leading to high neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. Preterm infants often face oral feeding difficulties due immature development, which can lead extended hospital stays increased health risks. Aim To assess nurses’ performance in terms the transition infants, focusing on knowledge, practices, attitudes. Methods A descriptive, quantitative, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted across 16 hospitals five governorates Egypt from November 2023 March 2024 involving 553 nurses. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge attitudes an observed checklist for practices. used statistical methods, including binary logistic regression, analyze data. Results findings revealed significant gaps among nurses, particularly oro-motor function, suck-swallow-breathe patterns, nonnutritive sucking. total 64.6% nurses had unsatisfactory 58.6% 45% negative attitude toward transition. Key predictors satisfactory practices included higher education levels, full-time employment, positive Conclusion This highlights critical regarding infants. Addressing these targeted educational interventions ongoing support is essential improving quality outcomes that substantial proportion lacked adequate areas, such as pattern, These deficits could hinder ability provide optimal during this crucial