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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
A preliminary study of the associations among preterm infant behaviors
Jen-Jiuan Liaw1, Yeong-Seng Yuh, Ling-Hua Chang
1School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center. jiuan@ndmctsgh.edu.tw
Insights
Preterm infant stress behaviors are positively correlated, but negatively correlated with stable behaviors like sucking. Understanding these preterm infant behaviors aids NICU nurses in providing better care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental psychology
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Preterm infant behavior is complex and requires further understanding for optimal care.
- Identifying behavioral patterns can help NICU nurses respond effectively to infant needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore relationships among various preterm infant behaviors.
- To determine if specific behaviors are associated with stress or stability.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory study design with 20 preterm infants.
- 120 video-recorded baths analyzed for behavior frequency using a developed coding scheme.
- Pearson Correlation Coefficients used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- High positive correlations found between various stress behaviors.
- Negative correlation observed between stress behaviors and stable behaviors (e.g., sucking).
- Stress behaviors associated with "eyes open" and "fuss or crying" states.
Conclusions:
- Specific preterm infant behaviors are interconnected.
- Identifying these behavioral associations can improve NICU nurses' ability to interpret infant signals.
- Enhanced understanding supports timely interventions and tailored care for preterm infant growth and development.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine whether relationships exist among various preterm infant behaviors. The study used an exploratory method design. Twenty infants were bathed and a total of 120 baths were video recorded and observed to measure preterm infant behaviors based on the frequency that behaviors occurred. The frequency was measured by using the preterm infant behavioral coding scheme developed for the study. Pearson Correlation Coefficients were used to analyze the behavioral data and examine whether the relationships among these behaviors were significant. The interrater reliability of the behavioral variables ranged from .82 to .99. There were highly positive correlations between the stress behaviors. There was, however, negative correlation between the stress behaviors and the stable behavior (sucking). The occurrences of the stress behaviors were associated with the state of " eyes open " and "fuss or crying". Knowing the associations may enhance NICU nurses ' abilities to identify preterm infant behaviors. While interacting with preterm infants, nurses can sensitively and actively sense preterm infant signals, prevent or ameliorate the early threats to an infant ' s life, and adjust care to support the infant ' s growth and development.
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