The effect of the abdominal massage on feeding tolerance in preterm infants

Feeding intolerance (FI) is a serious enteral feeding problem with the most common and adverse effects on preterm infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of abdominal massage on feeding tolerance of preterm infants, treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Randomized controlled experimental research was conducted on 56 preterm infants who met the inclusion criteria in neonatal intensive care units of Health Sciences University Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital between July 10 and December 10, 2019. Preterm infants were fed every three hours in the intensive care unit. Abdominal massage was applied to the experimental group every morning and evening, at the 2nd hour (08.00-20.00) after feeding within 7 days. The control group received routine care. Research data were recorded using the patient information form and the patient follow-up charts formed in accordance with the literature at the 2nd and 3rd hours after the feeding. The data were analyzed by NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 Statistical Software (Utah, USA) using analytical and descriptive statistical methods. Results were evaluated at p <0.05 significance level. In the experimental group that abdominal massage was applied, vomiting attacks and abdominal distention were, defecation frequency significantly increased compared with the control group. It was determined for the experimental group that abdominal circumference measurement decreased significantly compared with the pre-massage application (p <0.05). In this study, it was concluded that the application of abdominal massage to preterm infants has a positive effect on feeding tolerance. As a result, it is highly recommended that NICU nurses can benefit from abdominal massage to preterm infants who are fed enteral in order to increase feeding tolerance. Keywords: Enteral feding, massage, nurse, premature