The effect of maternal odor on apnea development, physiological parameters and weight gain in preterm newborns

This study was carried out between 01.11.2022 and 01.06.2023 in the Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was conducted to determine the effect of maternal odor on the development of apnea, physiological parameters (oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature) and weight gain. The research was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design. The sample of the study consisted of 60 preterm newborns, 30 of which were experimental and 30 were control. The data were obtained with the Neonatal Descriptive Information Form and the Premature Observation Form. In the evaluation of the data, number, percentage, mean, median, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, Shapiro Wilk, Skewwnes, Kurtosis, Independent Sample-t, PairedSample t, Repeated Measure ANOVA Test were performed. As a result of the research, when the sociodemographic characteristics of the preterm newborns in the experimental group and the control group were evaluated, no significant difference was found (p>0.05), it was found that the groups were similar. It was found that the daily apnea count of preterm newborns who smelled the mother was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Newborns with maternal odor have increased respiration and oxygen saturation. When the experimental and control groups were compared, it was determined that mother odor had no effect on weight gain and head circumference growth. Maternal odor has been effective in the treatment of recurrent apnea of prematurity. The use of maternal scent is recommended for regulating breathing and keeping oxygen saturation stable. Key words: Apnea, maternal odor, physiological parameter, preterm newborn, weight.