The effect of maternally scent-digested blanket on the stress level, crying duration and physiological parameters of premature newborns

The research was conducted to determine the effect of covered with maternal scent-digested blanket on the stress levels, crying duration, and physiological parameters of premature newborns. The data were collected between June 1, 2023, and November 20, 2024, from a total of 69 premature infants hospitalized in two Education and Research Hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. The infants were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 (n=23) covered with maternal scent-digested blanket, Group 2 (n=23) covered with maternal scent-undigested blanket, and the Control group (n=23). Data were obtained using the Newborn and Maternal Introductory Information Form, the Newborn Stress Scale (NSS), and the Newborn Follow-Up Form. While the control group received routine care procedures of the unit, the newborns in the experimental groups were covered with maternal scent-digested blanket (Group 1) and maternal scent-undigested blanket (Group 2) for one hour each morning for three days. No significant difference was found between the average stress scores of newborns before and immediately after the procedure (p>0.05). However, it was observed that the reduction in the average stress scores of newborns in Group 1 was significantly greater compared to the other groups (p<0.001). The lowest stress level and crying duration during the procedure were observed in Group 1, while the highest stress level and crying duration were found in the control group (p<0.001). The average heart rate during the procedure was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Groups 2 and Control (p<0.001). No difference was found among the groups in terms of respiratory rate (p>0.05). In each group, the average O2 saturation was above 90%, with the lowest saturation value found in the control group. There was a significant difference among the groups in terms of average body temperature (p<0.001), with the highest average body temperature observed in Groups 1 and 2 during the procedure, and the lowest average body temperature found in the control group. In conclusion; covering premature newborns reduces their stress levels and crying duration and positively affects their physiological parameters. Covering with a maternal scent-digested blanket is more effective in reducing stress levels and crying duration compared to covering with a scent-undigested blanket.