The determination of the effect of white noise played to neonates undergoing phototherapy on bilirubin levels

Cetinbas, Z. (2025). The Determination of the Effect of White Noise Played to Neonates Undergoing Phototherapy on Bilirubin Levels. Master Thesis, Biruni University Graduate Education Institute, Istanbul. This study is a randomized controlled trial aimed at investigating the effect of white noise played for neonates undergoing phototherapy on their bilirubin levels. The research was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Süleymaniye Women's and Children's Hospital, affiliated with the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey, between March and August 2024. A total of 67 neonates born between 38-42 weeks of gestation, diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia, and receiving single phototherapy, were included in the study (34 in the white noise group, 33 in the control group). Data were gradually collected through the "Introductory Information Form," which included neonates' demographic information, Apgar score, comfort levels measured by the "Neonatal Comfort Behavior Scale (NCBS)," breastfeeding success assessed with the "Latch Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (LATCH)," defecation and urination frequency, weight control, and bilirubin measurements. White noise was played using an MP3 player and sound decibel measurement device. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of descriptive characteristics of the babies and mothers, comfort measurements, breastfeeding duration, bilirubin levels, urination and defecation frequency, or other parameters (p>0.05). The group that listened to white noise showed a significantly higher performance than the control group in terms of breastfeeding success at the 12th hour (p<0.05). Research findings revealed that white noise partially improved the breastfeeding success of newborns receiving phototherapy treatment and the comfort level of the newborn, but did not have a significant effect on bilirubin levels in general. The study emphasizes that white noise application can be used as a supportive treatment in phototherapy treatment, but more studies are needed in this area. Key words: Bilirubin; Jaundice; Newborn; White noise.