The Effect of Tub vs Sponge Bathing on the Comfort of Premature Infants

Summary

The integumentary system protects the underlying body from the external environment, such as shocks, temperature, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, and other threats. There is a considerable body of clinical evidence highlighting the importance of the stratum corneum and its barrier functions, which are especially beneficial for newborns. Given the dramatic transition from the aqueous womb to the dry terrestrial environment at birth, studies describing adaptations made by the skin barrier within the first month of life assume greater importance. The skin of the baby is morphologically and functionally different from the skin of adults. Neonatal skin is thinner, more fragile, and drier than adult skin; it is difficult to maintain fluid-electrolyte balance and temperature regulation. Notwithstanding, structure and function of skin continues to improve during the first months and even years of life. Special care procedures are nonetheless necessary to ensure healthy development, to protect the skin from irritation and reddening, and to help the newborn feel well. Therefore, this study, taking the form of a randomized controlled trial, aims to examine the effectiveness of tub bathing and sponge bathing on the physiological parameters (heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature) and comfort of late preterm infants. Increasing comfort and physiological stabilization in premature infants during neonatal care improves their neurophysiological development. Bathing procedures that support this development and will not expose the newborn to stress should be preferred.

Conditions

• Preterm Infant
• Premature Birth

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Tub Bathing

The infant's face was washed and dried while still wrapped before being immersed. The water level in the tub was set at approximately 9-12 cm or deep enough to cover the baby's shoulders. A folded cloth towel was placed into the tub before bathing. The temperature of the bath water was controlled using a special water thermometer and adjusted to 37-38°C. The infant was held securely; the head and neck were supported on the researcher's forearm, and the shoulder was grasped using the researcher's thumb and finger. Cleaning was performed using a soft cloth and baby skin cleaner. The front and back areas were cleaned without turning the infant. The newborn was safely removed from the water and wrapped in a clean towel.

BEHAVIORAL

Sponge Bathing

Sponge bathing is routine care of the clinic

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Akdeniz University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Emine EFE · Akdeniz University Children's Health and the Nursing Department

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

34 Weeks

Max Age

36 Weeks

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2015-11-20

Primary Completion

2016-11-29

Completion

2016-11-29

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations