Purpose
This study aimed to examine the health concerns of parents regarding their premature infants and to identify changes in these concerns during perinatal period and after discharge.
Methods
This was a retrospective study performed at a single tertiary center that enrolled 119 premature infants who were discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and visited the outpatient pediatrics department between December 2018 and October 2021. Data on the concerns of 176 parents regarding enrolled premature infants’ health from before birth to 1 week after NICU discharge were obtained from outpatient records. The t test and with the chi-squared test were used to analyze the data for this study.
Results
The consistently greatest focus of parents' health concerns was the respiratory system. The second focus of parents' health concerns before discharge was the central nervous system. However, during the first week after NICU discharge, the gastrointestinal system was the second-most frequent focus of parents’ health concerns among parents of infants without diseases related to prematurity and infants with older gestational ages. Conclusion: The results of this study offer insights into the health concerns among parents of premature infants. Parental health concerns about premature infants vary over time, from before birth to post-discharge, necessitating supportive interventions to enhance parental understanding of their child's health status.

Purpose
This study aimed to develop and examine the validity and reliability of a self-efficacy scale for preventive health management related to premature labor (PHMSE-PL) for women of childbearing age.
Methods
Instrument development and validation were undertaken in three steps: conceptualization through a literature review and in-depth interviews, item generation and evaluation of content validity, and evaluation of construct validity and reliability. The content validity, factorial structure validity, and internal consistency reliability of the PHMSE-PL were evaluated, and cognitive interviewing was undertaken. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach's α, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
The content validity was assessed by experts and was strengthened through cognitive interviews with women of childbearing age. The PHMSE-PL comprised 34 items across five factors. The construct validity of the PHMSE-PL was supported. Cronbach's α for the total scale was .97 (95% CI=.96-.97).
Conclusion
An evaluation of the psychometric properties of the PHMSE-PL scale found it to be a valid and reliable tool for women of childbearing age. The scale appears to be useful for women of childbearing age to self-assess their preventive health management self-efficacy related to premature labor and for health professionals to evaluate and promote women's preventive health management.

Citations

• Prevention of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight Through the mHealth Self-efficacy Program Among First-Time Pregnant Adolescents in Northern Thailand: A Quasi-Experimental Study
  Suphaphan Chansiri, Katemanee Moonpanane, Supatsorn Kurain
  Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Resea.2026; 30(1): 238.     CrossRef
• The preventive health management self‐efficacy related to preterm labor scale in reproductive‐aged women: Validation of Turkish reliability and factor structure
  Ebru Cirban‐Ekrem, Zeynep Daşıkan, Şenay Ünsal‐Atan
  Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research.2024; 50(12): 2309.     CrossRef
• Development and effects of a webtoon education program on preventive self-management related to premature labor for women of childbearing age: a randomized controlled trial
  Sun-Hee Kim
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2022; 28(3): 250.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study aimed to develop and evaluate a mobile application focusing on developmental support care for infants born prematurely.
Methods
An application was developed using the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation model. In the analysis phase, previous research was evaluated through big data text-mining and a literature review. In the design phase, the preliminary content of the application was designed, and the content validity and comprehension were verified. A hybrid application was developed and used by eight experts and ten users, who evaluated the layout of the mobile application and their satisfaction with it.
Results
The content of the designed application comprised a diary, customized information, developmental play, and community. The mean scores for layout were 3.73±0.47 and 3.43±0.68 out of 4 points among the experts and users, respectively. Users’ mean satisfaction score was 3.70±0.70 out of 5 points.
Conclusion
The information provided by the mobile application was evaluated as consistent and systematic. The application was also found to be satisfactory by infants’ parents. The mobile application developed through this study is expected to be effective in supporting the development of children born prematurely.

Citations

• A Mobile Health App (mHealth)-Based Post-NICU Discharge Intervention for Parents of Preterm Infants
  Han Na Lee, So Jin Lee, Yun Kyeong Lee, Haeryun Cho
  Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Perfil da produção científica sobre construção, validação e aplicação de tecnologias em enfermagem: estudo bibliométrico
  Fernando Conceição de Lima, Taís dos Passos Sagica, João Lucas Moraes Souza, Marta Lenise do Prado, Mary Elizabeth de Santana, Ivonete Vieira Pereira Peixoto, Rubenilson Caldas Valois
  Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Profile of scientific production on nursing technology construction, validity and application: a bibliometric study
  Fernando Conceição de Lima, Taís dos Passos Sagica, João Lucas Moraes Souza, Marta Lenise do Prado, Mary Elizabeth de Santana, Ivonete Vieira Pereira Peixoto, Rubenilson Caldas Valois
  Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of a Mobile App (KhunLook) Versus the Maternal and Child Health Handbook on Thai Parents’ Health Literacy, Accuracy of Health Assessments, and Convenience of Use: Randomized Controlled Trial
  Rosawan Areemit, Suchaorn Saengnipanthkul, Sumitr Sutra, Pagakrong Lumbiganon, Phenphitcha Pornprasitsakul, Pongsatorn Paopongsawan, Kunwadee Sripanidkulchai
  Journal of Medical Internet Research.2023; 25: e43196.     CrossRef
• Nurses’ Roles in mHealth App Development: Scoping Review
  Caitlin J Bakker, Tami H Wyatt, Melissa CS Breth, Grace Gao, Lisa M Janeway, Mikyoung A Lee, Christie L Martin, Victoria L Tiase
  JMIR Nursing.2023; 6: e46058.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study investigated the physical and emotional health of South Korean mothers of preterm infants in the early postpartum period.
Methods
In this descriptive correlational study, the participants included 91 mothers of preterm infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Physical health status was measured using a self-reported questionnaire, postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and guilt using a 4-item scale.
Results
Fatigue had the highest score among mothers' physical health problems, followed by shoulder pain, nipple pain, neck pain. The average postpartum depression score was 11.02 points, and 44% of women had postpartum depression with a score of 12 or above. Postpartum depression significantly was correlated with physical health (r=.35, p=.001), anxiety (r=.84, p<.001), and guilt (r=.75, p<.001) and was significantly higher for women with multiple births, and preterm infants who required ventilator and antibiotic treatment. Anxiety also showed a significant difference according to preterm infants’ condition.
Conclusion
The significant correlations between postpartum depression and physical health, anxiety, and guilt indicate a need for nursing interventions that provide integrated management of mothers’ physical and emotional health.

Citations

• Physical Problems, Fatigue, and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Experienced by Women in the First 48 Hours of Postpartum Period
  Yasemin Erkal Aksoy, Bihter Akin, Sema Dereli Yilmaz
  Nursing & Health Sciences.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Extending the concept of moral distress to parents of infants hospitalized in the NICU: a qualitative study in Greece
  Polychronis Voultsos, Maria Arabatzi, Maria Deligianni, Alexandra K. Tsaroucha
  BMC Psychology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Factors associated with posttraumatic stress and anxiety among the parents of babies admitted to neonatal care: a systematic review
  Reem Malouf, Sian Harrison, Victoria Pilkington, Charles Opondo, Chris Gale, Alan Stein, Linda S. Franck, Fiona Alderdice
  BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify the gaps in research related to developmentally supportive care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The ultimate goal was to explore directions of further research on developmentally supportive care for premature patients.
Methods
The Arksey and O'Malley scoping review method was used. Articles on developmentally supportive care for preterm infants in the NICU, written in English or Korean, were identified through electronic search engines. A total of 279 papers were identified in the initial search, of which 22 full-text papers were included in this review.
Results
Several nursing studies have been published in the past 5 years. The important elements of developmentally supportive care were family-centered care and management of the NICU environment. The primary developmentally supportive care interventions were training programs to promote the care competency of NICU nurses.
Conclusion
It is necessary to actively develop comprehensive developmental support interventions that consider the various elements of developmentally supportive care for preterm infants. Additional studies should be done to develop programs that provide direct intervention for premature infant and their families.

Citations

• Innovation in nursing led maternal and infant care: emerging trends and impact in Indian clinical setting
  Riya Patel Shukal, Kavita V. Matere, Phanindrareddy Badduri, Mohammed Umar, Pooja Bakshi, Selvi R., Yamunadevi Shanmugam, Dana Baby, Regina P. F., Anne Roslin, Suhashini
  International Journal of Reproduction, Contracepti.2026; 15(2): 695.     CrossRef
• Health Workers' Knowledge and Practice of Developmentally Supportive Care for Premature Infants in Four Ugandan Neonatal Units: A Cross‐Sectional Study
  Zelee Hill, Victoria Nakibuuka, Robert Serunjogi, Robert Ssekitoleko, Ritah Nasiima, Sanyu Nalunga‐Atuhe, James Nyonyintono, Albert Kamugisha
  Health Science Reports.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Content Validity for the NICU Caregiver Behavior Checklist
  Amy Carroll, Cecilia Roan, Catherine Verrier Piersol, Michele Kacmarcik Savin
  Nursing for Women's Health.2025; 29(1): 44.     CrossRef
• Assessing Developmentally Supportive Care in Neonatal Nursing in China
  Qian Sun, Jing Wang, Jiuqiao Xu, Longyan Wu
  AJN, American Journal of Nursing.2025; 125(7): e1.     CrossRef
• Developmental supportive care in preterm and low birth weight neonates
  Rinki H. Shah, Ridhdhi D. Dangar
  International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics.2025; 12(8): 1372.     CrossRef
• Comprehensive Overview of Preterm Developmental Supportive Care: Narrative Review
  Hasan Saud Abdul Hussein, Adraa Hussein Shawq
  International Journal of Child Health and Nutritio.2025; 14(4): 408.     CrossRef
• Rectal Stimulation in Premature and Full-Term Newborns: A Narrative Review
  Silvia Rossi, Simona Calza, Chiara De Rosa, Giulia Ottonello, Nicoletta Dasso, Roberta Da Rin Della Mora, Ilaria Artuso, Giuseppe Minniti Caracciolo, Simona Serveli, Silvia Scelsi
  Children.2025; 12(12): 1656.     CrossRef
• Application and effect of developmental supportive care on growth and neurobehavioral development in preterm infants
  Xiaoqing Niu, Ling Li, Yachao Jing
  Frontiers in Pediatrics.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Competency based performance of mothers on preterm neonatal care through Neonatal Integrative Developmental Care (NIDC) interventions: An interventional pilot project
  Sandra Jyothi Saldanha, Veena Gretta Tauro
  Journal of Neonatal Nursing.2024; 30(2): 130.     CrossRef
• Maternal Participation in Sensory Care of Preemies: A Pilot Study Examining the Effect on Neonatal Outcome in NICU
  Renilda Shanthi Lobo, Theresa Leonilda Mendonca
  Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU.2024; 14(02): 202.     CrossRef
• Effects of white noise on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
  Qing Zhang, Qiugui Huo, Peizhen Chen, Wenying Yao, Zhihong Ni
  Nursing Open.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Exploring Effect of Postdischarge Developmental Support Program on Preterm Infant Neurodevelopment and BDNF Gene DNA Methylation
  Jun Zhang, Mi Cao, Shaoting Yue, Jingmin Yan, Yanyan Shang
  Advances in Neonatal Care.2023; 23(2): E50.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of Nicu nurses’ competence enhancement program for developmentally supportive care for preterm infants: A quasi-experimental study
  Han Na Lee, Haeryun Cho
  Heliyon.2023; 9(1): e12944.     CrossRef
• Knowledge and perception on developmentally supportive care for preterm babies among staff nurses working in the neonatal intensive care unit of Tertiary Care Center in South India
  Lavanya Subhashini, V Saritha, Monappa
  BLDE University Journal of Health Sciences.2023; 8(1): 69.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program on developmental positioning (EPDP) for nurses in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Methods
The study utilized a non-equivalent control group pretestposttest design. Sixty NICU nurses were recruited from two university hospitals in Daejeon, South Korea. The EPDP consisted of a 7-week program: 3 weeks of education and practice, followed by 4 weeks of encouragement messages using social networking services. Developmental positioning (DP) posters and DP aids were also provided during the intervention period. The intervention group (n=30) received the EPDP, but not the control group. The data were analyzed using the x2 test, the Fisher exact test, the independent t-test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Results
Participants' knowledge (t=7.49, p<.001), attitudes (t=1.99, p=.001), self-efficacy (t=2.99, p=.004), performance of DP (t=2.98, p=.004) and Infant Positioning Assessment Tool (IPAT) scores (F=29.50, p<.001) were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group.
Conclusion
The EPDP can be an effective and useful program for improving the performance of DP among NICU nurses by increasing their knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of DP. However, further research involving various NICU settings is needed to gather more empirical evidence.

Citations

• The knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses on the posture management of premature infants: status quo and coping strategies
  Xiaojue Zhong, Shanshan Cai, Huiyun Wang, Longyan Wu, Yanan Sun
  BMC Health Services Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Reported use of implementation science theories, models, and frameworks in 151 implementation trials: secondary analysis of a systematic review targeting nursing practice
  Charlene Weight, Rachael Laritz, Simonne E Collins, Meagan Mooney, Billy Vinette, Sonia A Castiglione, Nicola Straiton, Gabrielle Chicoine, Shuang Liang, Justin Presseau, Kristin Konnyu, Marie-Pierre Gagnon, Sonia Semenic, Sandy Middleton, Natalie Taylor,
  Translational Behavioral Medicine.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• The effect of comprehensive developmental positioning program training on nurses’ performance and infant comfort hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit
  Tina Karami, Afsaneh Arzani, Ali Zabihi, Hossein-Ali Nikbakht, Zahra Akbarian rad, Seyedeh Roghayeh Jafarian amiri
  BMC Medical Education.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Maternal Participation in Sensory Care of Preemies: A Pilot Study Examining the Effect on Neonatal Outcome in NICU
  Renilda Shanthi Lobo, Theresa Leonilda Mendonca
  Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU.2024; 14(02): 202.     CrossRef
• Developmental care education in Australian surgical neonatal intensive care units: A cross-sectional study of nurses’ perceptions
  Nadine Griffiths, Sharon Laing, Kaye Spence, Maralyn Foureur, Himanshu Popat, Leah Hickey, Lynn Sinclair
  Heliyon.2024; 10(10): e30572.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of Nicu nurses’ competence enhancement program for developmentally supportive care for preterm infants: A quasi-experimental study
  Han Na Lee, Haeryun Cho
  Heliyon.2023; 9(1): e12944.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Noncontact Visit Program in the NICU for the Prevention of COVID-19
  Hye Young Ahn, Hee Jee Jo, Hyun Jeong Ko
  Healthcare.2023; 11(15): 2152.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study examined the effects of a breastfeeding coaching program for mothers on growth and neonatal jaundice in late preterm infants (LPIs).
Methods
This was a quasi-experimental study (non-randomized intervention) with a time-series design. The study was conducted among 40 LPIs who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital in Daegu, South Korea. In the order of admission, the first 21 infants were assigned to the experimental group, and 19 were assigned to the control group. The intervention program consisted of home- based and web-based practical breastfeeding support education for mothers across a total of 5 sessions. Infant growth was measured using body weight, length, and head circumference, and neonatal jaundice was assessed using transcutaneous bilirubin levels.
Results
The likelihood of breastfeeding for infants in the experimental group at 4 weeks after discharge was the same as on the day of discharge, whereas it steadily decreased in the control group. There were significant differences in head circumference between the groups. However, weight, length, and transcutaneous bilirubin levels did not show a significant group-time interaction.
Conclusion
A formal breastfeeding coaching program should be considered in clinical settings and at home within the first few weeks postpartum.

Citations

• Interventions to support parents, families and caregivers in caring for preterm or low birth weight infants at home: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Amie Wilson, Carol Bedwell, Valentina Actis Danna, Natalie Tate, Kerry Dwan, Anayda Portela, Tina Lavender, Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu
  PLOS Global Public Health.2026; 6(2): e0005690.     CrossRef
• Mother’s Own Milk Provision During the First 12 Weeks of Life by Gestational Age
  Aloka L. Patel, Joshua Wilson, Melissa Holmes, Tricia J. Johnson
  JAMA Network Open.2025; 8(3): e250024.     CrossRef
• Changes in anthropometry in full‐term breastfed newborns and associated factors for the first month
  Beril Aydın, Siddika Songül Yalçin
  American Journal of Human Biology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Purpose
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) was introduced in Indonesia 30 years ago, but the extent of its use has not been fully documented. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the use of KMC and evaluate the characteristics of infants who received KMC at Koja District Hospital in North Jakarta, Indonesia. This retrospective cohort study recorded the characteristics of infants with birthweights less than or equal to 2,200 g at the above-mentioned hospital.
Methods
Data collected from infant registers included gestational age, birthweight, Apgar score, number of complications, history of neonatal intensive care unit treatment, and KMC status. Cox regression analysis was conducted.
Results
This study found that 57.7% of infants received KMC. Infants with birthweights over 1,500 g were 2.16 times (95% CI: 1.20-3.89) more likely to receive KMC.
Conclusion
Efforts to promote KMC are recommended, specifically for infants with birthweights greater than 1,500 g. KMC for infants with other conditions can also be considered based on the infants' stability.

Citations

• Trends and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in Indonesia: A multivariate decomposition analysis
  Siti Nurokhmah, Lucinda Middleton, Judhiastuty Februhartanty, Aryono Hendarto, Veincent Christian Pepito
  PLOS ONE.2023; 18(11): e0294900.     CrossRef
• Journal statistics, directions for development, and appreciation for reviewers
  Hyun Young Koo
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(1): 5.     CrossRef
• Congratulations on Child Health Nursing Research becoming a PubMed Central journal and reflections on its significance
  Sun Huh
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(1): 1.     CrossRef

Purpose
The aim of this study was to clarify and define the concept of nursing support as perceived by mothers of preterm infants.
Methods
The research was conducted using Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model. Sixteen articles were analyzed during the theoretical phase. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of preterm infants in the fieldwork phase. In the final analytical phase, the attributes of nursing support were defined.
Results
There were four themes and 10 attributes of nursing support as perceived by mothers of preterm infants. Professional care and emotional care for the baby were identified as attributes of baby care support. Information related to the disease, inpatient environment, baby's daily hospital life, and mother-centered care were identified as attributes of information delivery support. Empathy for mothers and therapeutic communication with the mother were identified as attributes for mental care support. Lastly, providing a chance for the mother to take care of the baby and reinforcement of the maternal role were identified as attributes of maternal role support.
Conclusion
The 10 attributes of this study could provide a base for the development of a nursing support instrument and practical guidelines for mothers in neonatal intensive care units.

Citations

• Effective Therapeutic Communication Model in Reducing Stunting in Secanggang District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra
  Dewi Kurniawati, Nurmaini Nurmaini, Aulia Rahma Ritonga
  Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología.2026; 6: 2562.     CrossRef
• The Effect of Breast Massage and Warm Compress Application on Milk Production and Anxiety in Mothers with Premature Newborn: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  Şeyma Ertugral Mollaahmetoglu, Gulten Guvenc
  Breastfeeding Medicine.2025; 20(6): 416.     CrossRef
• Transforming neonatal nursing: a randomized controlled trial comparing kangaroo care and standard protocols for survival in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome
  Osama Mohamed Elsayed Ramadan, Afrah Madyan Alshammari, Abeer Nuwayfi Alruwaili, Nadia Bassuoni Elsharkawy, Ali Alhaiti, Nagwa Ibrahim Mabrouk Baraka
  BMC Nursing.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Mother-child separation in critical care: emotional implications, impact on the bond and intervention strategies
  Jorge Leodan Cabrera Olvera , Carmen Graciela Zhizhpon Gavidia , Jonathan David Velasco Cedeño , Gabriela Lisbeth Sinchiguano Moreno
  Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología.2025; 5: 1440.     CrossRef
• “More than medical care”: a qualitative study on family support systems in the neonatal intensive care unit in Ghana
  Mary Boadu, Lillian Akorfa Ohene, Vivian Efua Senoo-Dogbey
  BMC Pediatrics.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Influencing Factors of Coping Strategies in Mothers of High‐Risk Newborns: Perceived Stress and Nursing Support
  Jung‐A Kim, Hye‐Young Jang
  International Journal of Nursing Practice.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• What matters to families about the healthcare of preterm or low birth weight infants: A qualitative evidence synthesis
  Lisa Hurt, David Odd, Mala Mann, Hannah Beetham, Emma Dorgeat, Thomas CW Isaac, Annie Ashman, Fiona Wood
  Patient Education and Counseling.2023; 115: 107893.     CrossRef
• Nurses’ strategies to provide emotional and practical support to the mothers of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Maryam Maleki, Abbas Mardani, Celia Harding, Mohammad Hasan Basirinezhad, Mojtaba Vaismoradi
  Women's Health.2022;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Differences in perceived parental stress between parents with very low birth weight infants and nurses in neonatal intensive care units, South Korea
  Seol-Hee Moon, Ho-Ran Park, Dong Yeon Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2021; 27(3): 297.     CrossRef
• The Development and Validation of a Perceived Nursing Support Scale for Mothers of Preterm Infants
  Mihae Im, Jina Oh
  Asian Nursing Research.2021; 15(5): 317.     CrossRef

Purpose
The symptoms and impairments caused by cerebral palsy usually require long-term treatment, resulting in a substantial burden on the family of affected children. This study explored the experiences of fathers with prematurely-born children with cerebral palsy, with a focus on how such experiences influenced their families.
Methods
A qualitative case study method was used. Nine subjects were recruited from April 2018 to June 2019 at one hospital, and each was interviewed three times by a neonatal nurse.
Results
Five core experiences of fathers were identified: "regret for an insufficient initial response", "confronting my child born as a premature baby", "the position of being a dad who can't do anything", "the process of treatment like a tunnel with no exit", and "a father's getting meaning in life through children". These stories covered an individual's timeline and family interactions.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that fathers of prematurely-born children tend to suppress their emotions; therefore, a novel intervention program to encourage fathers' emotional expression and to support healthier interactions with their families is needed. Moreover, our findings could contribute basic information for the construction of a community-based support system to aid families, including prematurely-born children and other persons with impairments.

Citations

• Factors influencing fathers’ involvement in the care of hospitalized preterm newborns in Balaka, Malawi
  Patani Mhango, Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
  BMC Pediatrics.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)-based emotional regulation program for mothers of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Methods
The study utilized a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Seventeen mothers were recruited for the experimental group and 21 mothers for the control group. Data were collected from July 9, 2018, to Oct 12, 2018 from mothers of premature infants in the NICU regarding parental stress, state anxiety, depression, and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation. The experimental group received eight sessions of the REBT-based emotional regulation program for 3-4 weeks, and the control group only received standard nursing care.
Results
Significant differences were found between the two groups in maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation (Z=-3.88, p<.001), stress (Z=-2.76, p=.006), state anxiety (Z=-3.72, p<.001), and postpartum depression(Z=-2.62, p=.009) after the intervention in the experimental group.
Conclusion
The REBT-based emotional regulation program for mothers of premature infants was effective for reducing maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation, stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression. Therefore, it may be necessary to provide an REBT-based emotional regulation program for mothers of premature infants in the NICU in clinical practice.

Citations

• Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for parents with preterm infants: A commentary on a systematic review
  Victoria Gray, Jay Thomas, Marilena Hadjittofi, Natalie Holman, James Edward Hill, Catherine Harris
  Journal of Family and Child Health.2025; 2(12): 533.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on the psychological outcomes of parents with preterm infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Sian Hui Chan, Shefaly Shorey
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2024; 74: 23.     CrossRef
• Predicting Children’s Mental Well-Being During COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Maternal Cognitive Emotion Regulation
  Delaram Dehnashi
  Psychology and Behavioral Sciences.2024; 13(5): 129.     CrossRef
• PREDICTING CHILDREN’S MENTAL WELL-BEING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC BASED ON MATERNAL COGNITIVE EMOTION REGULATION
  Delaram Dehnash
  ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Fordyce happiness training program on the competence of mothers of premature infants admitted to the NICU from Middle East: A quasi-experimental study
  Fereshteh Ghaljaei, Marie Hastings-Tolsma, Nasrin Rezaee
  Pediatrics & Neonatology.2023; 64(5): 512.     CrossRef
• Identifying the common elements of psychological and psychosocial interventions for preventing postpartum depression: Application of the distillation and matching model to 37 winning protocols from 36 intervention studies
  Yuping Lin, Xiangchun Zhang, Tianchun Zhou, Feng Xu, Xinli Zhu, Huixin Zhou, Xiao Wang, Yan Ding
  Early Intervention in Psychiatry.2023; 17(10): 947.     CrossRef
• Mindfulness Intervention Improves Coping and Perceptions of Children’s Behavior among Families with Elevated Risk
  Jill T. Krause, Samantha M. Brown
  International Journal of Environmental Research an.2023; 20(23): 7092.     CrossRef
• The effect of Mindful Parenting Training on Parent–Child Interactions, Parenting Stress, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Mothers of Preschool Children
  Zahra Bondar kakhki, Ali Mashhadi, Seyed Amir Amin Yazdi, Shirin Saleh
  Journal of Child and Family Studies.2022; 31(11): 3113.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the influence of a breastfeeding coaching program (BCP) for mothers of late preterm infants (LPIs) on the breastfeeding rate and neonatal morbidity within 1 month after discharge.
Methods
This was a non-randomized quasi-experimental study with a time series design. The participants were 40 LPIs and their mothers who were hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital. Nineteen LPIs were assigned to the control group, and 21 to the experimental group. The mothers of the LPIs in the experimental group received the BCP once on the discharge day and then once a week for 1 month. Neonatal morbidity was defined as an outpatient department or emergency room visit due to an LPI's health problem.
Results
The breastfeeding rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group at the fourth week after discharge (x²=7.17, p=.028). Five and two LPIs in the control group and the experimental group, respectively, visited a hospital due to neonatal jaundice. Neonatal morbidity was not significantly different between the two groups (x²=1.95, p=.164).
Conclusion
The BCP was useful for improving the breastfeeding rates of LPIs and may have potential to reduce neonatal morbidity.

Citations

• Mother’s Own Milk Provision During the First 12 Weeks of Life by Gestational Age
  Aloka L. Patel, Joshua Wilson, Melissa Holmes, Tricia J. Johnson
  JAMA Network Open.2025; 8(3): e250024.     CrossRef
• Effects of an Online Theory‐Based Educational Programme for Primiparous Women on Improving Breastfeeding‐Related Outcomes: A Randomised Controlled Trial
  Mei Sze Wong, Wai Tong Chien
  Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• A qualitative study on the perspectives of prenatal breastfeeding educational classes in Ireland: Implications for maternal breastfeeding decisions
  Jennifer Kehinde, Claire O’Donnell, Annmarie Grealish, Trhas Tadesse Berhe
  PLOS ONE.2024; 19(12): e0315269.     CrossRef
• The Effect of Breastfeeding and an Intensive Breast Milk Nutritional Support Program on Hospitalization Rates for Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Newborns: An Open Randomized Controlled Trial
  Nursan Cinar, Özge Karakaya Suzan, Ibrahim Caner, Sultan Peksen, Pinar Tabakoglu, Vedat Cinar
  Journal of Tropical Pediatrics.2022;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effects of a breastfeeding coaching program on growth and neonatal jaundice in late preterm infants in South Korea
  Gun Ja Jang, Sangjin Ko
  Child Health Nursing Research.2021; 27(4): 377.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a community-based follow-up program on parenting stress, parenting efficacy, and coping among parents with premature infants.
Methods
A non-equivalent control group pre-post quasi-experimental design was used. This program consisted of structured home visits and self-help group meetings for 6 months. The experimental group (n=29) received visits by an experienced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse and the control group (n=27) was visited by a visiting nurse. Data were analyzed using the x² test, t-test, and analysis of covariance.
Results
Parents' coping behavior significantly differed in the experimental group compared to the control group (t=3.14, p=.003). In particular, coping subscale I, for maintaining the family situation (t=2.63, p=.011), and subscale III, for understanding the infant's medical situation (t=4.30, p<.001), showed significant differences in the experimental group. There were no significant between-group differences in parenting stress or parenting efficacy.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that home visits by an experienced NICU nurse provided through a community-based follow-up program were an effective intervention to improve coping behavior among parents with premature infants.

Citations

• A national survey of neonatal community outreach practices in England, Wales and Scotland
  Chuen Wai Lee, Janine Snook, Burak Salgin
  Journal of Neonatal Nursing.2025; 31(6): 101744.     CrossRef
• A Mobile Health App (mHealth)-Based Post-NICU Discharge Intervention for Parents of Preterm Infants
  Han Na Lee, So Jin Lee, Yun Kyeong Lee, Haeryun Cho
  Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Health education for preterm infants families during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of Indonesian nurses: A qualitative descriptive study
  Herlina, Yeni Rustina, Dessie Wanda
  Journal of Neonatal Nursing.2024; 30(1): 53.     CrossRef
• Best Practices to Support Maternal Mental Health During the Transition from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Home
  Jazmin D. Ramirez, Danielle Altares Sarik, Yui Matsuda, Joy Ortiz
  Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America.2024; 36(2): 261.     CrossRef
• The effects of a hospital-to-home care transition program on perceived stress and readiness for hospital discharge in mothers of children with congenital heart disease undergoing corrective surgery
  Zohre Komijani, Meimanat Hosseini, Malihe Nasiri, Parvaneh Vasli
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2024; 78: e66.     CrossRef
• Effective stress intervention programs for parents of premature children: A systematic review
  Melissa Liher Martínez‐Shaw, Yolanda Sánchez‐Sandoval
  Stress and Health.2023; 39(2): 236.     CrossRef
• Improving the self-efficacy of caregivers of children with seizures using evidence-based practice
  Malorie Brooks, Natalie Palau
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2023; 73: 53.     CrossRef
• Development and Effects of Mobile-Application-Based Parenting Support Program for Premature Infants’ Mothers
  Hye Young Ahn, Hyun Jeong Ko, Hee Jee Jo
  Healthcare.2023; 11(19): 2639.     CrossRef
• Effect of a Follow-up Program Involving an Early Intervention and Self-help Group on Parenting Stress, Depression, and Parenting Efficacy for Mothers of Premature Infants
  Eun Sun Ji, Jinhee Choi, Kaka Shim
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2023; 27(4): 256.     CrossRef
• Scoping review of interventions to support families with preterm infants post-NICU discharge
  Thao Griffith, Anamika Singh, Margaret Naber, Patricia Hummel, Caroline Bartholomew, Sachin Amin, Rosemary White-Traut, Lindsey Garfield
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2022; 67: e135.     CrossRef
• Parenting experiences of mothers of moderate-to-late preterm children in South Korea: a qualitative study
  Sangmi Lee
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(4): 247.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify the noise level and frequency experienced by premature infants receiving incubator care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Methods
The participants were 20 premature infants receiving incubator care in the NICU of a university hospital in Daejeon Metropolitan city. The noise level was measured using a professional sound-level meter (ET-958, FLUS, Shenzhen, China) based on a noise classification table developed by the author. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients using SPSS for Windows version 22.0.
Results
The average noise level experienced by premature infants receiving incubator care in the NICU was 51.25 dB (range: 45.0~81.7 dB). The frequency of noises was highest for factors related to nursing activities (40.3%), followed by human factors (29.1%), machine alarm sounds (20.1%), incubator operation (6.6%), and internal environmental factors (3.9%).
Conclusion
According to the above results, the noise level experienced by premature infants receiving incubator care in the NICU exceeded the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an interventional program to reduce noise in the NICU, and to conduct follow-up studies to verify its effectiveness.

Citations

• Development and Evaluation of Infection Control Nursing Simulation Education Program for Nurses in a NICU
  Min-hee Cho, Sunghee Kim
  Journal of Korea Society for Simulation in Nursing.2024; 12(2): 1.     CrossRef
• Noise Produced by Neonatal Ventilators Inside and Outside of the Incubators
  Lea Bergez, Gilles Jourdain, Daniele De Luca
  Respiratory Care.2023; 68(12): 1693.     CrossRef
• Differences in perceived parental stress between parents with very low birth weight infants and nurses in neonatal intensive care units, South Korea
  Seol-Hee Moon, Ho-Ran Park, Dong Yeon Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2021; 27(3): 297.     CrossRef

Purpose
Caring for a vulnerable premature baby is a challenging task, but some mothers experience growth through that process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing post-traumatic growth in mothers with premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.
Methods
A correlational research design was used and 105 mothers of premature infants were recruited from an online community. Data were collected from January 15 to January 25, 2019. Post-traumatic growth was measured using the Korean version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression.
Results
The final model developed in this study explained 45.5% of post-traumatic growth (F=13.66, p<.001). Resilience (β=.54, p<.001) was the strongest predictor of post-traumatic growth, followed by the age of the mother when giving birth (β=.17, p=.028) and current employment status (β=.17, p=.049).
Conclusion
For mother with premature infants to grow psychologically after their experience, it may be needed to support them to develop and strengthen their resilience through either education or their own support network.

Citations

• A cross-sectional study on posttraumatic growth and influencing factors among parents of premature infants
  Wang Xingyanan, Lv Yuanhong, Liu Yang, Xiao Zhitian
  BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Research Progress on Influencing Factors and Intervention of Postpartum Post-Traumatic Growth
  铭浚 文
  Nursing Science.2025; 14(10): 1653.     CrossRef
• Differences in perceived parental stress between parents with very low birth weight infants and nurses in neonatal intensive care units, South Korea
  Seol-Hee Moon, Ho-Ran Park, Dong Yeon Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2021; 27(3): 297.     CrossRef
• Relationship dynamics: the protective effect of relationship satisfaction and dependency on parents’ mental health after having a preterm baby
  İlknur Okay, Çiğdem Yavuz Güler
  Health Psychology Report.2021; 9(4): 372.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study was conducted to identify factors related to developmental care performance among neonatal intensive care units (NICU) nurses.
Methods
The participants were 139 nurses who had provided care to premature infants for more than 6 months and were recruited from the NICU of 8 hospitals. Data were collected from September 1 to December 1, 2017 through questionnaires that encompassed developmental care performance, developmental care perceptions, and the nursing work environment.
Results
More than half (51.8%) of the participants responded that they had never received developmental care education, and for 89.6% of those who had received developmental care education, it was a one-time event. The average developmental care performance of NICU nurses was 0.81, with a range of 0.5~1 point. Multiple regression analysis, demonstrated that the nursing work environment (β=.27, p=.001) and developmental care perceptions (β=.23, p=.004) influenced developmental care performance, with a total explanatory power of 14%.
Conclusion
Based on these results, developmental care education for the NICU nurses must be provided systematically. In addition, strategies to improve nurses' perceptions of developmental care and to provide appropriate support for the nursing work environment can promote developmental care performance.

Citations

• “Effectiveness of a Multimodal Teaching Program on Nurses” Knowledge Acquisition, Practice, and Perception of Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care in NICU: A Non-randomized Controlled Trial
  Raghu V A, Manju Vatsa, Neeraj Gupta, Latha, Thuileiphy T
  Journal of Neonatology.2025; 39(4): 341.     CrossRef
• Nurses’ perspectives on implementing sleep protection for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: a qualitative study
  Yujing Gu, Yunfei Tang, Yan Xue, Juan Wu, Jun Xie
  BMC Health Services Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• A Cross‐Sectional Study on Nurse‐Parent Partnership in the Pediatric Intensive Care Units
  Premalatha Paulsamy, Shadia Hamoud Alshahrani, Krishnaraju Venkatesan, Kousalya Prabahar, Manjula Gopinathan Bhagavathy, Mathar Mohideen Nagoor Thangam, Vinoth Prabhu Veeramani, Samya Mohamed Hegazy, Rehab Ahmed, Vigneshwaran Easwaran, Haseena T. A., Hala
  International Journal of Clinical Practice.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Korean nurses’ knowledge, opinions and current practice of trauma-informed pediatric nursing care in South Korea: a descriptive study
  Kyung-Sook Bang, Sun Woo Hong, Hwal Lan Bang, Ji-Hye Choe, Sinyoung Choi
  Child Health Nursing Research.2024; 30(4): 309.     CrossRef
• Factors influencing neonatal intensive care unit nurses' parent partnership development
  Eun Kyoung Kim, In Young Cho, Ji Yeong Yun, Bobae Park
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2023; 68: e27.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of Nicu nurses’ competence enhancement program for developmentally supportive care for preterm infants: A quasi-experimental study
  Han Na Lee, Haeryun Cho
  Heliyon.2023; 9(1): e12944.     CrossRef
• Developmentally Supportive Care Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses in South Korea
  Han Na Lee, Ji Hyeon Park, Haeryun Cho
  Advances in Neonatal Care.2023; 23(3): E60.     CrossRef
• Preterm Infant Care Practice among Nurses in Neonatal Care Units of Selected Hospitals of Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study
  Tumla Shrestha, Archana Pandey Bista, Sarala Shrestha, Radhika Regmi, Foroozan Atashzadeh-Shoorideh
  Nursing Forum.2023; 2023: 1.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Neonatal Supportive Positioning Training Video Program for Preterm Infants on the Knowledge and Performance of Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
  Hyun Jin Moon, Kyung Sook Cho, Mi Young An, Dong Woo Son
  Asian Nursing Research.2022; 16(1): 25.     CrossRef
• Analysis of research on developmentally supportive care for prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit: a scoping review
  Hanna Lee, Ji Hyeon Park, Haeryun Cho
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(1): 9.     CrossRef
• Missed nursing care and its influencing factors among neonatal intensive care unit nurses in South Korea: a descriptive study
  Soohyun Kim, Sun-Mi Chae
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(2): 142.     CrossRef
• Simulation Training Needs of Nurses for Nursing High-Risk Premature Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study
  Sun-Yi Yang
  Healthcare.2022; 10(11): 2197.     CrossRef
• Analysis of the educational needs of nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit for developmental supportive care
  Da-Ae Shin, Kyung-Sook Bang
  The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing .2021; 27(3): 261.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a breastfeeding support program (BSP) on the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and growth in late-preterm infants.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study was conducted. The participants were 40 late preterm infants (LPIs), of whom 20 were assigned to the experimental group and 20 to the control group. For the mothers in the experimental group, a BSP was provided prior to the LPIs’ discharge and reinforced once a week for 4 weeks. Information on the feeding type was collected by observation and the LPIs’ body weight was measured.
Results
There were significant differences in feeding type by group and time. Exclusive breastfeeding was 5.18 times more common in the experimental group than in the control group (odds ratio=5.18, 95% confidence interval=1.11~16.70). However, weekly weight gain did not show a significant relationship with group and time (F=0.40, p=.712).
Conclusion
The BSP was helpful for increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in LPIs. Furthermore, the LPIs in the experimental group, which had a higher likelihood of being exclusively breastfed, showed an equivalent amount of weight gain as the LPIs in the control group, in which infants were more likely to be formula-fed.

Citations

• Effectiveness of Postnatal Maternal or Caregiver Interventions on Outcomes among Infants under Six Months with Growth Faltering: A Systematic Review
  Ritu Rana, Barkha Sirwani, Saranya Mohandas, Richard Kirubakaran, Shuby Puthussery, Natasha Lelijveld, Marko Kerac
  Nutrients.2024; 16(6): 837.     CrossRef
• Impact of theory of planned behavior based intervention on breastfeeding patterns of the mothers with preterm infants: a randomized trial
  Shirin Okhovat, Mojgan Janighorban, Ashraf Kazemi
  BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Challenges and Choices in Breastfeeding Healthy, Sick and Preterm Babies: Review
  Susanne H. Bauer, Harald Abele, Joachim Graf
  Healthcare.2024; 12(23): 2418.     CrossRef
• Nutritional Management of Moderate- and Late-Preterm Infants Commenced on Intravenous Fluids Pending Mother's Own Milk: Cohort Analysis From the DIAMOND Trial
  Tanith Alexander, Michael Meyer, Jane E. Harding, Jane M. Alsweiler, Yannan Jiang, Clare Wall, Mariana Muelbert, Frank H. Bloomfield
  Frontiers in Pediatrics.2022;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effects of a breastfeeding coaching program on growth and neonatal jaundice in late preterm infants in South Korea
  Gun Ja Jang, Sangjin Ko
  Child Health Nursing Research.2021; 27(4): 377.     CrossRef
• Influence of a Breastfeeding Coaching Program on the Breastfeeding Rates and Neonatal Morbidity in Late Preterm Infants
  Gun Ja Jang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2020; 26(3): 376.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an education program for mothers of late-preterm infants on parenting confidence, breastfeeding rate, and infants’ growth and readmission rate.
Methods
The participants were 53 mothers of late-preterm infants (26 in the experimental group and 27 in the control group). The experimental group was administered the late-preterm care education program while the control group received standard care. The program consisted of two sessions during hospitalization after birth, one session at the time of discharge, and telephone and social networking service consultations at weekly intervals for the month following discharge. The collected data were analyzed using the t-test, x² test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Results
Parenting confidence and the breastfeeding rate were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the late-preterm infants’ growth and readmission rates between the experimental and control groups.
Conclusion
A care education program for mothers of late-preterm infants can be a useful nursing intervention in clinical practice.

Citations

• Mother’s Own Milk Provision During the First 12 Weeks of Life by Gestational Age
  Aloka L. Patel, Joshua Wilson, Melissa Holmes, Tricia J. Johnson
  JAMA Network Open.2025; 8(3): e250024.     CrossRef
• The Effect of QR Code Supported Newborn Care Training Given to Mothers With Premature Infant on Self‐Efficacy and Anxiety: A Randomised Controlled Study
  Sinem Yalnızoğlu Çaka, Sümeyra Topal, Sinem Öztürkler, Fatma Tuncer Çelenkoğlu, Ayla Günlemez
  Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Infant Health Promotion Education Program on Knowledge Among First-Time Pregnant Women in a Middle Eastern Country
  Suhaila Halasa, Judie Arulappan, Nadin M Abdel Razeq, Mahmoud Ai-Hussami, Dua’ Al-Maharma, Ommayah Nassar, Manar Nabolsi, Shawqi Saleh, Ibrahim Al Faouri
  Sage Open Nursing.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• The impact of postpartum in-home and telephone supportive counseling on maternal quality of life: A randomized controlled clinical trial
  Bita Eskandari, Roghaiyeh Nourizadeh, Esmat Mehrabi, Rasoul Heshmati, Reyhaneh Ivanbagha, Zahra Akbarivand
  Health Care for Women International.2025; : 1.     CrossRef
• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #7: Model Maternity Policy Supportive of Breastfeeding
  Maria-Teresa Hernández-Aguilar, Melissa C. Bartick, Paula K. Schreck, Elise M. Chapin
  Breastfeeding Medicine.2025; 20(11): 771.     CrossRef
• Characteristics of late preterm infant readmissions: A systematic review
  Jennifer A. Joyner, Amy E. Papermaster, Jane Dimmitt Champion
  Journal of the American Association of Nurse Pract.2024; 36(6): 329.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of Postnatal Maternal or Caregiver Interventions on Outcomes among Infants under Six Months with Growth Faltering: A Systematic Review
  Ritu Rana, Barkha Sirwani, Saranya Mohandas, Richard Kirubakaran, Shuby Puthussery, Natasha Lelijveld, Marko Kerac
  Nutrients.2024; 16(6): 837.     CrossRef
• The Effect of Video-assisted Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Training Given to the Mothers of Hospitalized Newborns on the Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Success: A Semi-experimental Study
  Esra TURAL BÜYÜK, Nazlı BALTACI, Şenay ÇOŞĞUN
  Bezmialem Science.2023; 11(4): 417.     CrossRef
• A survey among healthcare professionals from seven countries reported diverse nutritional practices of late preterm infants
  Hon Kit Cheang, Chun‐Yan Yeung, Irene Cheah, Guslihan Dasa Tjipta, Bugis Mardiana Lubis, Raul Garza‐Bulnes, Dagoberto Delgado‐Franco, Adejumoke Idowu Ayede, Chinyere V. Ezeaka, Mamun Al Mohammad Abullah, Adedotun Owolabi, Anne Schaafsma, Urszula Kudla, Le
  Acta Paediatrica.2022; 111(7): 1362.     CrossRef
• Effects of a breastfeeding coaching program on growth and neonatal jaundice in late preterm infants in South Korea
  Gun Ja Jang, Sangjin Ko
  Child Health Nursing Research.2021; 27(4): 377.     CrossRef
• Influence of a Breastfeeding Coaching Program on the Breastfeeding Rates and Neonatal Morbidity in Late Preterm Infants
  Gun Ja Jang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2020; 26(3): 376.     CrossRef
• Factors Influencing Breast Milk Feeding in Singleton Late Preterm Infants
  Su Jin Kim, Gun Ja Jang
  Journal of Health Informatics and Statistics.2020; 45(4): 311.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate partnerships with nurses, social support and readiness for discharge among mothers of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to examine the factors associated with readiness for discharge.
Methods
A survey was conducted among 85 mothers of premature infants hospitalized in a NICU in Seoul, Korea. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, the t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’ correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression using SPSS version 25.0.
Results
The results of the regression analysis showed that partnerships with nurses (β=.32, p=.011) and parenting experience (β=.32, p=.001) were significantly associated with readiness for discharge.
Conclusion
To improve the readiness for discharge among mothers of premature infants, developing strategies to strengthen their partnership with nurses and to provide family-centered care will be needed.

Citations

• Enhancing nurse-parent partnership for NICU nurses by investigating multi-modal learning with a hybrid simulation approach that integrates metaverses and real-world training
  Hee Young Kim, Soon Hyun Myung, In Young Cho
  Nurse Education in Practice.2025; 84: 104294.     CrossRef
• Spousal support, parent–nurse partnership and caregiver burden among parents of children with chronic diseases: A cross‐sectional study
  Jihye Kim, Heemin Chae, Yoonjung Kim
  Journal of Clinical Nursing.2024; 33(7): 2649.     CrossRef
• Research trends in nurse–parent partnership: A scoping review of the paediatric field in South Korea
  Seo Jin Park, Ji Yeong Yun, Jina Lee, In Young Cho
  Nursing Open.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Association of nurse–mother partnerships with parenting stress and family resilience among South Korean mothers of children with congenital heart disease
  Youna Chang, Jiyoung Lim, Hye Won Yoon
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2024; 79: 16.     CrossRef
• Fostering Partnership Between Pediatric Nurses and Parents of High-Risk Infants: A Mixed Method Approach
  In Young Cho, Won-Oak Oh
  Journal of Child and Family Studies.2023; 32(9): 2681.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Noncontact Visit Program in the NICU for the Prevention of COVID-19
  Hye Young Ahn, Hee Jee Jo, Hyun Jeong Ko
  Healthcare.2023; 11(15): 2152.     CrossRef
• Discharge Readiness Scale for Parents of High-Risk Infants: A Systematic Review
  Ki-Eun Kim, Hyejung Lee, Na-Young Jeon
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2022; 26(4): 205.     CrossRef
• Analysis of the educational needs of nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit for developmental supportive care
  Da-Ae Shin, Kyung-Sook Bang
  The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing .2021; 27(3): 261.     CrossRef
• Addressing the Needs of Mothers with Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis
  Ah Rim Kim
  Asian Nursing Research.2020; 14(5): 327.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of mothers of premature children receiving rehabilitation therapy.
Methods
The participants were 12 mothers with premature children who had received rehabilitation therapy for over 1 year. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted from July to August 2017. The data were analyzed through the phenomenological research method.
Results
The participants’ experience was structured into five thematic clusters: ‘Regret and guilt that premature birth led to rehabilitation therapy’, ‘Burden of life in an endless tunnel’, ‘Changes in personal relationships surrounding me and my child’, ‘Meaning of new life through my child’, and ‘Desire to expand the rehabilitation of premature infants’.
Conclusion
The results of this study will be helpful for developing family-centered care programs for premature infants at high risk of developmental disorders.

Citations

• Parent and Therapist Perceptions of Early Therapy for Infants With or at Risk of Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review
  Helle Sneftrup Poulsen, Lisbeth Rosenbek Minet, Lone Walentin Laulund, Charlotte Ytterberg, Alice Ørts Hansen
  Child: Care, Health and Development.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef

Purpose
This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and performance of developmentally supportive positioning for premature infants (DSPP) among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses.
Methods
The participants in this study were 131 nurses working in the NICU at five university hospitals in Daejeon and the city of Cheong-ju. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients using SPSS for Windows version 22.0.
Results
NICU nurses’ average DSPP knowledge score was 24.7 out of 33.0, and their average DSPP performance score was 3.2 out of 4.0. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge and performance of DSPP (r=.32, p<.001).
Conclusion
To improve the level of NICU nurses’ knowledge and performance of DSPP, educational programs should be developed and their effectiveness should be verified.

Citations

• Developmentally Supportive Care Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses in South Korea
  Han Na Lee, Ji Hyeon Park, Haeryun Cho
  Advances in Neonatal Care.2023; 23(3): E60.     CrossRef
• Effects of Systematic Discharge Education Program on Anxiety and Parenting Confidence in Mothers of Premature Infants
  Eunyoung Kim, Aeran Jo, Meenam Hwang, Hyunjin Moon, Daeun Jeong, Myungjin Jang, Choyeon Lim
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2023; 27(2): 71.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Neonatal Supportive Positioning Training Video Program for Preterm Infants on the Knowledge and Performance of Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
  Hyun Jin Moon, Kyung Sook Cho, Mi Young An, Dong Woo Son
  Asian Nursing Research.2022; 16(1): 25.     CrossRef
• Analysis of research on developmentally supportive care for prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit: a scoping review
  Hanna Lee, Ji Hyeon Park, Haeryun Cho
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(1): 9.     CrossRef
• Development and effectiveness of an educational program on developmental positioning for neonatal intensive care unit nurses in South Korea: a quasi-experimental study
  Eun-Ju Yun, Tae-Im Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(1): 70.     CrossRef
• Factors that impact the accuracy with which nurses place preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome in the prone position
  Nur Fitri, Defi Efendi
  La Pediatria Medica e Chirurgica.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Analysis of the educational needs of nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit for developmental supportive care
  Da-Ae Shin, Kyung-Sook Bang
  The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing .2021; 27(3): 261.     CrossRef
• Addressing the Needs of Mothers with Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis
  Ah Rim Kim
  Asian Nursing Research.2020; 14(5): 327.     CrossRef

Purpose
This prospective study aimed to examine the development of premature infants at 12 and 24 months and to explore the factors related to their development.
Methods
Of the 80 premature infants who were recruited, 52 participants at 12 months and 31 participants at 24 months were included in this study. The development of the infants was examined using the Korean Bayley scale of infant development-II. Postnatal depression, husband’s support, social support, mother-infant attachment, and the home environment were assessed using self-report questionnaires completed by the mothers and through the researcher’s observations.
Results
There was significant difference between normal and delay group at psychomotor development at 12 months depending on social support at 6 months (t=2.03, p=.049). Mother-infant attachment at 6 months (r=.71, p<.001), 12 months (r=.37, p=.043), and 24 months (r=.40, p=.026), as well as social support (r=.38, p=.034) and the home environment (r=.41, p=.022) at 24 months, were correlated to mental development at 24 months. There was a significant positive correlation between mother-infant attachment at 6 months and psychomotor development at 24 months (r=.40, p=.046).
Conclusion
To reduce the risk of developmental delay and to promote healthy development in premature infants, early nursing interventions targeting mother-infant attachment, the home environment, and the mother’s social support structure are needed.

Citations

• Early Parenting Interventions to Enhance Development in Infants and Children Born Prematurely: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  Won-Oak Oh, Yoo-Jin Heo
  Journal of Pediatric Health Care.2024; 38(6): e1.     CrossRef
• Effect of a Follow-up Program Involving an Early Intervention and Self-help Group on Parenting Stress, Depression, and Parenting Efficacy for Mothers of Premature Infants
  Eun Sun Ji, Jinhee Choi, Kaka Shim
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2023; 27(4): 256.     CrossRef
• Parenting Experience of Prematurity Parents Based on Grounded Theory
  Jeong Soon Kim
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2019; 23(4): 232.     CrossRef
• Cognitive Ability and Related Factors in Preschoolers Born Prematurely
  Young Mee Ahn, Sangmi Lee
  Child Health Nursing Research.2019; 25(4): 468.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine how child development knowledge, child rearing knowledge, and use of healthcare services after discharge affect maternal confidence among mothers of premature infants.
Methods
Participants in this study were 55 mothers who were involved in internet communities for mothers with premature infants and 30 mothers who visited hospitals for follow up care after having their babies discharged from Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in South Korea.
Results
Presence of operation history, child development and rearing knowledge, and use of healthcare service explained 12.2% of maternal confidence. Presence of operation history (β=.32, p<.05) and child development knowledge (β=.52, p<.05) were significant predictors for maternal confidence.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that mothers with premature infants need further education especially on motor development, developmental knowledge, and knowledge related to operations for mothers whose child had surgery in the NICU. Also information about services provided from community health services for premature infants need to be advertised and distributed.

Citations

• Development of a mobile application focusing on developmental support care for Korean infants born prematurely: a methodological study
  Ji Hyeon Park, Haeryun Cho
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(2): 112.     CrossRef
• Addressing the Needs of Mothers with Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis
  Ah Rim Kim
  Asian Nursing Research.2020; 14(5): 327.     CrossRef
• Ecological predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children from low-income families in South Korea
  Jiyoung Park, Suyon Baek
  Children and Youth Services Review.2017; 81: 238.     CrossRef

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify effects of Massage therapy on feeding intolerance and physical growth in premature infants.
Methods
This study was conducted in the NICU of U university hospital, from June to December 2014. A quasi experimental design was used. A total of 60 premature infants were randomly assigned into two groups of 30 infants each. Infants of control group were given conventional treatment, while infants of experimental group given conventional treatment plus massage therapy. Massage therapy was performed for 15 minutes, 60 minutes before feeding, 3 times per day for 21 times over 7 days. The number of feedings withheld for feeding intolerance, number of gastric residuals, number of fecal excretions and physical growth variables (weight, height) were measured.
Results
After the intervention, number of fecal excretions and weight gain in the experimental group were significantly higher than that of the control group. Also, number of gastric residuals in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group.
Conclusion
Massage therapy laid the basis for nursing intervention to promote feeding tolerance and physical growth in premature infants.

Citations

• Effects of massage therapy alone or together with passive mobilisations on weight gain and length of hospitalisation in preterm infants: Systematic review and meta-analysis
  Sara Mollà-Casanova, Núria Sempere-Rubio, Elena Muñoz-Gómez, Marta Aguilar-Rodríguez, Pilar Serra-Añó, Marta Inglés
  Early Human Development.2023; 182: 105790.     CrossRef
• The Usefulness of the Evaluation of Gastric Residuals in Premature Infants
  Kyung Min Lee, Su Jung Choi
  Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing.2019; 12(3): 74.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study was conducted to monitor the development of Korean premature infant at six-month age and to explore factors related to developmental status of the premature infants.
Methods
Participants were 58 premature infants whose corrected age was six-months old and their mothers. The developmental states of infants were followed-up with the Korean Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire (KPDQ-II). Clinical characteristics of the infants were identified from the medical records. Other characteristics including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, husband’s support, social support, and mother-infant attachment were assessed using self-report questionnaires from the mothers.
Results
Forty three percent of the infants were in the group of questionable status of development on the KPDQ-II. There were significant differences between the premature infants with normal developmental status and those with questionable developmental status depending on gender (χ² = 5.03, p = .034), gestational age (t = 2.59, p = .012), hospital stay (p = .013), revised Neurobiologic Risk Score (p = .005) and mother-infant attachment score (t = 2.12, p = .040).
Conclusion
Mother-infant attachment, as well as physiological state of premature infants, is an important variable in early development. Therefore, early monitoring for the development has to be done for physiologically vulnerable premature groups. Also, providing proper nursing support to improve maternal attachment needs to be considered.

Citations

• Developmental Characteristics of High‐Risk Infants According to the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development–Third Edition
  Ju‐Young Park, Nam‐Hae Jung
  Child: Care, Health and Development.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Pilot Study to Develop the Korean Screening Index of Early Development-Parent Form
  Hyo-Jeong Jeon, Eun-Kyoung Goh, Min-Jung Kim, Eun-Seol Kim
  Korean Journal of Child Studies.2025; 46(2): 37.     CrossRef
• Perception and Educational Needs of Developmentally Supportive Care At-Home for Parents of Pre-Term Newborns
  Jeong Soon Kim, Hae Ran Kim
  Healthcare.2023; 11(12): 1700.     CrossRef
• The Effects of a Continuous Olfactory Stimulation Using Breast Milk (COSB) on Behavioral State and Physiological Responses in Korean Premature Infants
  Young Ah Park, Yeo Jin Im
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2020; 53: e114.     CrossRef
• Factors Related to the Development of Premature Infants at 12 and 24 Months Age: A Prospective Study
  Kyung-Sook Bang, Hyun-Ju Kang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2018; 24(1): 58.     CrossRef
• Characteristics of Temperament of Preterm Toddlers and Their Relation to Early Language and Communication Development
  YoonKyoung Lee, Jiyoung Lee
  Communication Sciences & Disorders.2017; 22(3): 458.     CrossRef

Purpose
It is critical that evidence from research is applied to everyday nursing practice to improve the quality of care and health outcomes. Aims of this study were to review high-risk infant related studies published in major nursing and non-nursing journals in Korea and to assess the quality of intervention studies.
Methods
Through the Korean literature search engine of RISS.KR the authors identified 132 studies, and two researchers evaluated each of these studies using the analysis criteria. The quality of intervention studies was assessed using the van Tulder Scale.
Results
Among the studies, 40.2% were either thesis or dissertation and 86.4% were quantitative studies. Convenience sampling was the most commonly used sampling method. All experimental studies were quasi-experiment except one pre-experiment study. Sensory stimulation and kangaroo care were the most common interventions for high-risk infants. Over half of the intervention studies were assessed to be “low risk of bias” but both randomization and blinding processes were not adequately satisfied in most of the studies.
Conclusion
Findings of this study suggest that high-risk infants are more likely to be recruited for experimental studies but types of interventions were very limited. To provide evidence-based care for high-risk infants, rigorously conducted experimental studies should be encouraged.

Citations

• Perception and Educational Needs of Developmentally Supportive Care At-Home for Parents of Pre-Term Newborns
  Jeong Soon Kim, Hae Ran Kim
  Healthcare.2023; 11(12): 1700.     CrossRef
• The Effects of a Continuous Olfactory Stimulation Using Breast Milk (COSB) on Behavioral State and Physiological Responses in Korean Premature Infants
  Young Ah Park, Yeo Jin Im
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2020; 53: e114.     CrossRef

Purpose
This study was conducted to investigate nursing students’ knowledge and beliefs about Kangaroo care (KC).
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Undergraduate students enrolled in departments of nursing (n=322) from three universities in D city participated. Knowledge and beliefs about KC were measured using the Kangaroo Care Questionnaire (KCQ).
Results
The overall level of nursing students’ knowledge about KC was very low with a mean score of 6.9 out of 17. The mean score for nursing students’ beliefs about KC was 87.4 out of 100, indicating relatively positive beliefs. The students who had both education and exposure to KC had higher scores for knowledge and more positive beliefs about KC compared to students with no experience or exposure to KC. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and beliefs about KC (r = .371, p < .001).
Conclusion
The results suggest that there is a need to develop educational programs for nursing students in order to increase their knowledge and develop positive beliefs about KC.

Citations

• Hemşirelik ve Ebelik Öğrencilerinin Kanguru Bakımı İle İlgili Bilgi ve Tutumlarının Değerlendirilmesi
  Özlem KARABULUTLU, Fatma BİLGİN
  Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü.2023; 8(2): 223.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
Instead of a chaotic non circadian environmental approach, continuing regular day-night rhythm in neonatal nurseries may benefit the development of preterm infants. The purpose of this study was to define the effects of cycled lighting on circadian rhythms of premature infants.
METHODS
The experimental group included 15 preterm infants, and the control group, 15 premature infants in the NICU of a general hospital in Seoul. All infants were between 32 and 37 weeks' postconceptional age. The experimental group infants were provided with cycled lighting before discharge. The incubator or bassinet cover of the experimental group was off between 7 AM and 7 PM, and was covered between 7 PM and 7 AM.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in the NNNS score (p=.039), and some significant differences in the sleep-activity pattern between the experimental group and the control group, but distinct differences in sleep-activity patterns between the two groups could not be defined.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that cycled lighting can be helpful in the neurobehavioral development of preterm infants. By modifying the NICU environment to provide a more developmentally supportive milieu, nursing professionals can better meet the infants' physiologic and neurobehavioral needs.

Citations

• The effect of different fluoride application methods on the remineralization of initial carious lesions
  Seon Mi Byeon, Min Ho Lee, Tae Sung Bae
  Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics.2016; 41(2): 121.     CrossRef
• Effect of Lights-Out at Night Time on Body Weight, Physiological Variables, and Behavioral Status in Premature Infants
  Kyeong Nam Lee, Bo Min Seo, Deog Hwan Moon, Ga Won Jeon, Jong Beom Sin
  Neonatal Medicine.2016; 23(2): 102.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The study was done to explore growth variation in head circumference (HC) in extremely premature infants (EPI) with brain injury.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 79 cohort samples from the archives of the catch-up growth project. Mean age of the infants was 29.2 weeks of gestation and mean HC, 27.1 cm at birth. Their HC measurements were retrieved from the archives up to 6 month of corrected age (CA) and analyzed against history of brain injury during hospitalization.
RESULTS
Overall growth retardation in HC was observed in the cohort sample compared to longer gestation premature infants. EPI with brain injury showed decreased HC compared to infants without brain injury, and resulting growth variation across 6 month of CA. Highest retardation in HC growth was observed in male infants with brain injury.
CONCLUSION
Extreme preterm birth itself may function as a major obstacle against HC growth toward term age in EPI. Sustainability of brain injury could be observed with higher HC growth retardation after term. Evolutionary favor to female infants may exist in HC growth of EPI. Intensive education on HC monitoring is highly suggested for parents of EPI, particularly with children with brain injury.

Citations

• Effects of Direct Practice of Newborn Health Assessment on Students’ Nursing Clinical Competence and Self-Efficacy
  Seol Hui Park, Se Ang Ryu
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(2): 117.     CrossRef
• Growth of Korean preterm infants in a family‐centered tradition during early infancy: The influence of health risks, maternal employment, and the sex of infants
  Youngmee Ahn, Min Sohn, Sangmi Lee
  Japan Journal of Nursing Science.2014; 11(4): 281.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
To identify the perception and practices of kangaroo care in nurses and doctors working in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Korea.
METHODS
One hundred forty-nine nurses and nineteen doctors working in the NICU from six university hospitals completed a survey questionnaire.
RESULTS
Most agreed that Kangaroo care promoted attachment and parental confidence as well as physical health of the infant. However, nurses and doctors showed a negative perception in providing kangaroo care for premature infants under 1,000 grams or within several hours after birth. Major barriers for kangaroo care were worrying about extubation and safety problems of premature infants. Married or senior nurses showed a more positive perception than others. Also nurses who worked in hospitals where kangaroo care was provided had a lower barrier perception than other nurses.
CONCLUSION
Nurses and doctors working in NICU worried about adverse effects of kangaroo care even though they perceived positive effects. Standard education programs and manuals should be developed before dissemination of kangaroo care in Korea.

Citations

• A Mother’s Experience of Hospitalization of Her Newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  Euna Choi, Youngeun Lee
  Child Health Nursing Research.2018; 24(4): 407.     CrossRef
• Knowledge and Beliefs about Kangaroo Care among Nursing Students
  So-Young Park, Sang-Mi Koo, Sun-Mi Choi, Tae-Im Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(1): 61.     CrossRef
• Perception and Barriers to Kangaroo-Mother Care Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses
  Sun Kyung Jeong, Tae-Im Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(4): 299.     CrossRef
• Effects of Kangaroo Care on Physical Development and Adaptation of External Environment of Prematurity, and Maternal Role Confidence who Delivered Premature Infants
  Ji-Won Lee, Yong-Sook Eo, Jung Hwa Han
  Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperati.2016; 17(12): 128.     CrossRef
• Efficacy and Safety of Kangaroo Mother Care in Preterm Infants in Korea
  Joo Hee Lim, Jeong-Eun Shin, Soon Min Lee, Ho Sun Eun, Min Soo Park, Kook In Park, Ran Namgung
  Korean Journal of Perinatology.2015; 26(4): 305.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
To explore premature infants' pain response to routine procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
METHODS
The participants were 56 preterm infants who showed 149 pain responses to 8 high frequency routine procedures which were evaluated using the Premature Infant Pain Scale (PIPS). Videotaped recording was used for data collection. Data were analyzed with descriptive analysis, paired t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.
RESULTS
PIPS scores for each procedure were as follows; for removal of central catheter dressing, 6.17 (2.04), venous sampling, 6.12 (2.87), intramuscular injection, 6.05 (2.38), insertion of a peripheral line, 5.38 (2.16), insertion of feeding tube, 4.40 (1.34), heel stick, 4.33 (1.23), insertion of central line, 4.00 (2.12), and endotracheal suctioning, 2.90 (1.25). PIPS score was negatively correlated with gestational age (r=-.218, p=.007) and birth weight (r=-.249, p=.002) among general characteristics of the infants.
CONCLUSION
The majority of 8 routine procedures were found to be painful for premature infants in the NICU. Therefore, adequate pain management related to procedures should be provided to premature infant in the NICU.

Citations

• The analgesic effects of human milk odor in preterm neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Ana Beatriz Bertol, Barkhá Vijendra, Pedro Henrique Aquino Gil de Freitas, Áurea Maria Salomão Simão, Bianca Lisa de Faria, Rodrigo da Rosa Iop
  Journal of Perinatology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Perceptions on Pain Management among Korean Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
  Ihn Sook Jeong, Soon Mi Park, Jeon Ma Lee, Yoon Jin Choi, Joohyun Lee
  Asian Nursing Research.2014; 8(4): 261.     CrossRef
• Effect of Optimal Humidification for Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants During Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
  Jung-Sook Kim, Eun-Jung Lee
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2011; 17(2): 145.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
This study was done to examine effects of a discharge education program using on-line community on parenting stress, baby care confidence for mothers of premature infants and health problem of premature infants.
METHODS
Using a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, 32 participants were assigned to an experimental (17) or a control group (15). Mothers in the experimental group were introduced to the discharge education program 2 weeks before the baby was discharged. They participated in the on-line community for 4 weeks after discharge. Parenting Stress Index and Baby Care Confidence Scale were utilized for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square-test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test with the SPSS program 16.0 version.
RESULTS
In the experimental group, mean scores for parenting stress were lower than for the control group (Z=-3.176, p=.001), while scores for confidence in baby care were higher than for the control group (Z=-3.195, p=.001).
CONCLUSION
Findings indicate that discharge education programs using on-line community have the positive effect of decreasing parenting stress and increasing baby care confidence for mothers and decreasing health problems for infants. Therefore utilization of the internet and online community to educate parents of premature infants is recommended.

Citations

• Effects of Systematic Discharge Education Program on Anxiety and Parenting Confidence in Mothers of Premature Infants
  Eunyoung Kim, Aeran Jo, Meenam Hwang, Hyunjin Moon, Daeun Jeong, Myungjin Jang, Choyeon Lim
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2023; 27(2): 71.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Community-based Follow-up Program for Parents with Premature Infants on Parenting Stress, Parenting Efficacy, and Coping
  Eun Sun Ji, Ka Ka Shim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2020; 26(3): 366.     CrossRef
• Experience of Becoming a Father of a High Risk Premature Infant
  Jeong Eon Park, Byoung Sook Lee
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2017; 47(2): 277.     CrossRef
• Model Structure for Mother-Child Relationship for Korean Infants and Toddlers and Their Mothers
  Sun-Jung Park, Kyung-Ah Kang, Shin-Jeong Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2017; 23(3): 268.     CrossRef
• Effect of Child Development Knowledge, Rearing Knowledge and Use of Health Care Service on Maternal Confidence among Mothers with Premature Infants
  So Yeon Kim, Sook Jung Kang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2017; 23(4): 407.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Hospital Based Follow-Up Program for Mothers with Very Low Birth Weight Infants
  Min Hee Kim, Eun Sun Ji
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2016; 46(1): 79.     CrossRef
• Parenting Stress in Mothers of Premature Infants.
  Hyun Sook Hwang, Hee Soon Kim, Il Young Yoo, Hyun Sook Shin
  Child Health Nursing Research.2013; 19(1): 39.     CrossRef
• Integrative Review on Caring Education Papers for Parents with a Premature Infant
  Mihae Im, Jina Oh
  Child Health Nursing Research.2013; 19(2): 120.     CrossRef
• Are Parent Education Programs in South Korea Really Effective? : A Meta-Analytic Study Using Journal Articles
  Jaerim Lee, Jiae Kim, Donghyuk Cha, Hyanghee Lee
  Journal of Korean Home Management Association.2013; 31(3): 27.     CrossRef
• Effects on Maternal Attachment, Parenting Stress, and Maternal Confidence of Systematic Information for Mothers of Premature Infants.
  Hyo Sin Choi, Yeong Hee Shin
  Child Health Nursing Research.2013; 19(3): 207.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The study was done to measure the effects of maternal heart sound on body weight, physiologic reactions (heart rate [HR] and cortisol) and behavioral states of preterm infants.
METHODS
Thirty-five preterm infants were recruited from a neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital. Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were obtained. The infants were assigned to an experimental group (n=18) with an auditory stimulation for 7 days of life, a continuous delivery of maternal heart sound using MP3 attached inside the incubator, or to a control (n=17) without any auditory stimulation. The outcome variables, daily variations in weight, HR and behavioral states, and differences in cortisol were analyzed.
RESULTS
There were differences in variations of daily weights (F=3.431, p=.011) and in cortisol (t=3.184, p=.006) between groups, but no difference in variations of daily HR (F=0.331, p=.933) and behavioral states (F=1.842, p=.323).
CONCLUSION
The findings support the safety of continuous maternal heart sound as no changes in HR and behavioral states occurred, and the efficacy as weight increased and cortisol decreased. This auditory simulation may lead to more efficient utilization of energy in preterm infants by consistently providing familiar sounds from intrauterine life and blocking noxious sounds from NICU environments.

Citations

• Manual Expression of Breastmilk: Integrating Tools with Marmet Technique
  Chele Marmet, Lora Cash
  Clinical Lactation.2025; 16(1-2): 40.     CrossRef
• Effects of Music Intervention Techniques on Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Preliminary Study
  Ji Yun Yun, Ji Sun Kim, So-Yeon Shim, Su Jin Cho, Eun Ae Park, Hyun Ju Chong
  Neonatal Medicine.2020; 27(4): 174.     CrossRef
• Effects of Hearing Recorded Mother's Voice on Physiological Reactions and Behavioral State of Sleep, Weight of Very Low Birth Weight Infants
  Mi-Hyang Choi, In-Soon Kang, Young-Hae Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2014; 20(3): 185.     CrossRef
• Effects of the 'Intervention - Mother's Song' on Physical Response and Behavioral State of Low-Birth Weight Infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
  Ji Sun Park, Kyung Ja Hong, Kyung Sook Bang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2013; 19(3): 198.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
This study was done to develop and test a home-based discharge program.
METHODS
The study design was a pretest-posttest nonequivalent nonsynchronized quasi-experimental design. Participants were mothers of premature infants on oxygen therapy at home. The participants, 49 mothers, were assigned to either the experimental group (24) or control group (25). Data collection was conducted from September, 2008 through February, 2009. Maternal confidence and anxiety were measured using a questionnaire. Chi-square test, t-test and Repeated Measures ANOVA were used to analysis the data.
RESULTS
Two hypotheses, "Maternal confidence in the experimental group will be higher than that of the control group" and "Perceived anxiety level in the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group", were set up and both hypotheses were supported as there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
It suggests that the discharge program developed in this study is an efficient intervention method to boost maternal confidence of the mothers with premature infants and to decrease their anxiety; therefore, this program is expected to be of use in nursing interventions.

Citations

• Effects of Systematic Discharge Education Program on Anxiety and Parenting Confidence in Mothers of Premature Infants
  Eunyoung Kim, Aeran Jo, Meenam Hwang, Hyunjin Moon, Daeun Jeong, Myungjin Jang, Choyeon Lim
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2023; 27(2): 71.     CrossRef
• Are Parent Education Programs in South Korea Really Effective? : A Meta-Analytic Study Using Journal Articles
  Jaerim Lee, Jiae Kim, Donghyuk Cha, Hyanghee Lee
  Journal of Korean Home Management Association.2013; 31(3): 27.     CrossRef
• Integrative Review on Caring Education Papers for Parents with a Premature Infant.
  Mihae Im, Jina Oh
  Child Health Nursing Research.2013; 19(2): 120.     CrossRef
• Development and Evaluation of a Video Discharge Education Program focusing on Mother-infant Interaction for Mothers of Premature Infants
  Jin Suk Ra, Jiyoung Lim
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2012; 42(7): 936.     CrossRef
• Effect of Optimal Humidification for Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants During Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
  Jung-Sook Kim, Eun-Jung Lee
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2011; 17(2): 145.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
This study, using a pre-post test design of non-equivalence comparative group, was done to determine effects of Kangaroo care (KC) on growth in premature infants and on maternal attachment (MA). METHODS: Fifty-three premature infants were assigned to the KC (24) or control group (CG) (29). Data were collected from July 2007 to June 2008. KC was given for 60 min at a time, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 10 times. Weight, height, and head circumference (HC) of premature infants were checked before the program started. Following the initial measurement, the program was given and measurements were taken again at the end of the program. For measurement of attachment between mother and infant, data collection was done using structured self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: KC group had a higher weight (t=2.565, p=.013), height (t=2.182, p=.034) and HC (t=2.468, p=.017) than the CG. Compared to the CG, the KC had significantly higher scores in MA (t=2.026, p=.048).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that the practice of KC in the nursing environment might actively promote attachment between mother and infant as well as acceleration of growth for premature infants as one of the most efficient nursing intervention.

Citations

• Early maternal touch predicts prosocial behaviour in adolescents: the mediation role of attachment
  Kuo Zhang, Jinlong Su
  International Journal of Adolescence and Youth.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effects of an integrated healthcare program for postpartum women: a quasi-experimental study
  Eun Suk Hwang, Ju-Hee Nho
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2025; 55(4): 506.     CrossRef
• Effective stress intervention programs for parents of premature children: A systematic review
  Melissa Liher Martínez‐Shaw, Yolanda Sánchez‐Sandoval
  Stress and Health.2023; 39(2): 236.     CrossRef
• Effect on the practice of the kangaroo method on the formation and strengthening of the mother-baby bond: a systematic review
  Carolina Caetano, Bianca Baptista Pereira, Tulio Konstantyner
  Revista Brasileira de Saúde Materno Infantil.2022; 22(1): 11.     CrossRef
• A touch-scaffolded model of human prosociality
  Jinlong Su, Yanjie Su
  Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.2018; 92: 453.     CrossRef
• Model Structure for Mother-Child Relationship for Korean Infants and Toddlers and Their Mothers
  Sun-Jung Park, Kyung-Ah Kang, Shin-Jeong Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2017; 23(3): 268.     CrossRef
• Knowledge and Beliefs about Kangaroo Care among Nursing Students
  So-Young Park, Sang-Mi Koo, Sun-Mi Choi, Tae-Im Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(1): 61.     CrossRef
• The Effects of Kangaroo Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the Physiological Functions of Preterm Infants, Maternal–Infant Attachment, and Maternal Stress
  Eun-Sook Cho, Shin-Jeong Kim, Myung Soon Kwon, Haeryun Cho, Eun Hye Kim, Eun Mi Jun, Sunhee Lee
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2016; 31(4): 430.     CrossRef
• Effects for kangaroo care: systematic review & meta analysis
  Junghee Lim, Gaeun Kim, Yeonghee Shin
  Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperati.2016; 17(3): 599.     CrossRef
• Perception and Barriers to Kangaroo-Mother Care Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses
  Sun Kyung Jeong, Tae-Im Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(4): 299.     CrossRef
• Effects of Kangaroo Care on Physical Development and Adaptation of External Environment of Prematurity, and Maternal Role Confidence who Delivered Premature Infants
  Ji-Won Lee, Yong-Sook Eo, Jung Hwa Han
  Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperati.2016; 17(12): 128.     CrossRef
• Integrative Review of Nursing Intervention Studies on Mother-Infant Interactions.
  Sun Jung Park, Shin Jeong Kim, Kyung Ah Kang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2014; 20(2): 75.     CrossRef
• Relationship Between Brain Injury and Head Circumference Growth in Extremely Premature Infants
  Young-mee Ahn, Sang-mi Lee
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2011; 17(4): 281.     CrossRef
• The Effects of Kangaroo Care on Maternal Self-esteem and Premature Infants' Physiological Stability
  Jihye Lee, Kyung-Sook Bang
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2011; 17(5): 454.     CrossRef
• A meta-analysis of the effects of attachment enhancement program for children
  Mira Chung, Jeong Yoon Kwon, Sukyoung Park, 홍소영
  Korean Journal of Early Childhood Education.2011; 31(1): 25.     CrossRef
• Perception of Nurses and Physicians in Neonatal Intensive Care Units on Kangaroo Care
  Kyung-Sook Bang
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2011; 17(4): 230.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
Multiple studies have documented that high resting levels of cardiac vagal tone suggest higher levels of self-regulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac vagal tone as an indicator of autonomic nervous function in healthy newborn and premature infants. METHODS: This study was conducted using a descriptive comparison design and a convenience sampling strategy. The participants were 72 healthy and 62 premature infants delivered in a university hospital. Continuous heart rate data recordings from the infant's ECG were analyzed and Mxedit software was used to calculate mean heart period and an index of cardiac vagal tone. RESULTS: The healthy infants had significantly higher cardiac vagal tone than the premature infants, when the influence of gestational age was removed using analysis of covariance. However, there were no significant differences in heart rate and heart period between the two groups when the influence of gestational age was removed using analysis of covariance. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that cardiac vagal tone may be used as an index for determining infant's autonomic nervous function. Nursing staff in pediatric departments can use cardiac vagal tone with ease, as this index can be calculated in a noninvasive method from the ECG.

Citations

• Cardiac Autonomic Function in the First Hours of Postnatal Life: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study in Term Neonates
  Leva A. Shayani, Carlos J. da Cruz, Luiz Guilherme G. Porto, Guilherme E. Molina
  Pediatric Cardiology.2019; 40(8): 1703.     CrossRef
• Linking Early Adversity, Emotion Dysregulation, and Psychopathology: The Case of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
  Lauren A. Drvaric, Ryan J. Van Lieshout, Louis A. Schmidt
  Child Development Research.2013; 2013: 1.     CrossRef
• The effect of biting tails and having tails bitten in pigs
  Manja Zupan, Andrew M. Janczak, Tore Framstad, Adroaldo J. Zanella
  Physiology & Behavior.2012; 106(5): 638.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to compare the result of one-way ANOVA with that of cross-correlation time series analysis in order to evaluate physiologic responses of premature infants to human voices. METHODS: Four premature infants born prior to 32 weeks gestational age were included in the study. The Gould 4000TA Recording System recorded the preterm infant's heart and respiratory rate while they were listening to a pre-recorded voice recording. Each infant listened to both male and female voices (1 min each) at each testing session. RESULTS: The results of both one-way ANOVA and cross-correlation time series analysis using heart and respiratory rate data were not consistent in some of premature infants. A cross-correlation time series analysis revealed that the responses of premature infant to vocal stimulation occurred at a varying number of seconds after the stimulus was presented and lasted for over 20-30 sec.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that a time series analysis can provide more detailed information on the rapidly changing physiologic status of premature infant to the auditory stimulus. In addition, the results provide an insight into an auditory responsitivity of premature infants to a naturally occurring sound, the human voice, in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Citations

• The Effects of Maternal Heart Sound on the Weight, Physiologic Responses and Behavioral States of Premature Infants
  Mi-Kyung Yeum, Young-Mee Ahn, Hwa-Sook Seo, Yong-Hoon Jun
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2010; 16(3): 211.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The existing websites for premature babies are operated by non professionals and thus do not provide any medical or professional information necessary for rearing premature babies. The purpose is to construct a new website with lots of medical and professional tips for premature babies.
METHODS
First, topics of discussions are collected from the bulletin boards of three websites, operated by non professionals, for premature babies. And new website for premature babies is constructed based on the identified topics and also based on professional consultation with six professors.
RESULTS
The newly constructed website provides professional tips for the above topics as well as introduction of it's object, general medical information and baby rearing information and the bulletin board for parents of premature babies.
CONCLUSION
By providing professional tips for mothers of premature babies, the new website is expected to provide detailed, accurate and professional information on issues most parents of premature babies concern.

Citations

• Development of Healthcare Service Design Concepts for NICU Parental Education
  Hanui Yu, Dahae Woo, Hyo Jin Kim, Minyoung Choi, Dong Hee Kim
  Children.2021; 8(9): 795.     CrossRef
• Effect of Child Development Knowledge, Rearing Knowledge and Use of Health Care Service on Maternal Confidence among Mothers with Premature Infants
  So Yeon Kim, Sook Jung Kang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2017; 23(4): 407.     CrossRef
• The Needs for Discharge Education and Educational Performance of Nurses Perceived by Premature Infants Mothers In the ICT Medical Service
  Soo-Heui Kim, Seong-Woo Choi, So-Yeon Ryu, Mi-Ah Han
  The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic c.2016; 11(7): 707.     CrossRef
• Integrative Review on Caring Education Papers for Parents with a Premature Infant.
  Mihae Im, Jina Oh
  Child Health Nursing Research.2013; 19(2): 120.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Discharge Education Program Using On-line Community for Parents of Premature Infants
  Jeong Soon Kim, Hee Sun Shin
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2010; 16(4): 344.     CrossRef

In recent years, reductions in infant mortality have mainly been accomplished by improving the survival of premature and low birth weight infants, however premature infants still remain at great risk. The purpose of this study was to review the maternal child health service related to premature infants and to provide a future direction for improving maternal child health (MCH) in Korea. We reviewed two MCH services which are directly related to premature infants: 1) a registry and financial support program for families with a premature infant, and 2) financial support to build neonatal intensive care units in rural public hospitals. Suggestions are made for the development of a national vital signs record system to identify high risk infants and to monitor the trends in infant mortality due to prematurity. Prevention efforts and preconception care for childbearing women is also an important strategy to reduce the rate of preterm births. Finally, we need consider long-term follow-up plans for premature infants for a successful transit to the special education system. Developing MCH policy related to premature infants that decreases the occurrence of premature may decrease infant mortality, and also improve maternal and child health services.

Citations

• Neonatal Transport and Regionalization of Neonatal Intensive Care: The Perspective of Transferred Preterm Infants in a Single Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the South-western Area of Gyeonggi-do
  Sang Hoon Shin, Eun Hee Lee, Jeong Hee Shin, Mi Jung Hwang, Young Ok Choi, Won Hee Seo, Byung Min Choi, Hai Joong Kim, Young Sook Hong
  Korean Journal of Perinatology.2013; 24(4): 265.     CrossRef
• Risk disparities in the globalisation of assisted reproductive technology: The case of Asia
  Jung-Ok Ha
  Global Public Health.2013; 8(8): 904.     CrossRef
• Effects on Maternal Attachment, Parenting Stress, and Maternal Confidence of Systematic Information for Mothers of Premature Infants.
  Hyo Sin Choi, Yeong Hee Shin
  Child Health Nursing Research.2013; 19(3): 207.     CrossRef
• Integrative Review on Caring Education Papers for Parents with a Premature Infant.
  Mihae Im, Jina Oh
  Child Health Nursing Research.2013; 19(2): 120.     CrossRef
• Gender Differences in Awareness of Preconception Care and Pregnancy
  Dong Sook Cho, Eun Jung Kim, Eun Mi Jun
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2013; 19(4): 219.     CrossRef
• Effects of Antenatal Depression and Antenatal Characteristics of Pregnant Women on Birth Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study
  Hae Won Kim, Yeon Yi Jung
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2012; 42(4): 477.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Home-based Discharge Program for Mothers of Premature Infants on Oxygen Therapy at Home
  Ji Min Lee, Soon Ja Oh, Kyung A Kim, Eun Jung Lee, Ji Yoon Lee, Moon Sook Hwang, Jung Sook Kim
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2010; 16(2): 144.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
This study was done to investigate the effects of an infant massage on physical growth and stress response in preterm babies.
METHOD
A nonequivalent control group with pre-posttest design was used with 56 preterm babies in the NICU of E medical center at Daejeon. Data were collected from July 2004 to May 2005. The intervention was given for 15 minutes, once a day for 7 days. Physical growth was measured by weight, length, head circumference, and stress response was measured by serum cortisol level. Mean, %, paired-test, t-test with the SPSS/Win 16.0 program were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
After the intervention, physical growth variables (weight, length, head circumference) in experimental group were higher than that of the control group. Also, the serum cortisol level in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. But none of these results were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that a 7-day intervention period may not be long enough to confirm the effects of infant massage on physical growth and stress reaction. Therefore it is suggested that a longer period of infant massage should be tested to determine if it is effective in improving the physical growth and stress reduction in preterm babies.

Citations

• Effects of Infant Massage Therapy on Transcutaneous Bilirubin, Feeding, and Excretion in Neonates with Jaundice Undergoing Phototherapy
  정성진, 박미경
  JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF MATERNAL AND CHIL.2018; 22(1): 25.     CrossRef
• Effects of Massage Therapy on Feeding Intolerance and Physical Growth in Premature Infants
  Hyun Young Seo, Young Hae Kim, Sung-Ju Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(4): 355.     CrossRef
• Relationship Between Brain Injury and Head Circumference Growth in Extremely Premature Infants
  Young-mee Ahn, Sang-mi Lee
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2011; 17(4): 281.     CrossRef
• The Effects of Maternal Heart Sound on the Weight, Physiologic Responses and Behavioral States of Premature Infants
  Mi-Kyung Yeum, Young-Mee Ahn, Hwa-Sook Seo, Yong-Hoon Jun
  Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing.2010; 16(3): 211.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
In this study, a comparison was done of the extent of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for preterm and fullterm children during early childhood, and factors affecting HRQoL in the early childhood of premature children were analyzed.
METHODS
Eighty mothers of children born prematurely and 83 mothers of children born at fullterm listed on two Internet cafes were sampled for this study. The major instrument used for the study was the TNO-AZL Preschool Quality Of Life (TAPQOL) questionnaire.
RESULTS
Total score for HRQoL in the premature group was 80.5 (+/-9.9) and for the full term group, 85.0 (+/-8.3), on a 100-point scale. A comparison of the premature group and full term group showed that the domains which scored relatively lower with respect to HRQoL included the stomach, motor function, anxiety, liveliness and communication. Among the factors that have an impact on HRQoL were 'length of stay in neonatal intensive care unit (> or =7 days)' and 'birth weight (<1,000 gm)'. The explanation power of the model was 17%, which was statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that a differentiated premature infant follow-up program for children who are hospitalized over 7 days in NICU or weighed under 1,000 g at birth is urgently needed.

Citations

• Addressing the Needs of Mothers with Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis
  Ah Rim Kim
  Asian Nursing Research.2020; 14(5): 327.     CrossRef
• The Reliability of the Pediatric Functional Muscle Testing in Children with Developmental Delay
  Hye-Jung Seo, Joong-Hwi Kim
  The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy.2015; 27(4): 183.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to explore relationships of postpartum depression with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of preterm infants and mothers.
METHODS
Participants were the mothers of 80 premature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units. Postpartum depression was measured using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Clinical characteristics were examined through the medical records. The physiological state for the infants was evaluated using the revised Neurobiologic Risk Score (NBRS). Data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients.
RESULTS
Average for EPDS was 9.75+/-5.06, and 30% of the participants were at high risk for postpartum depression. There were significant differences in postpartum depression according to mother's education level (F=3.493, p=.035), economic state (F=5.828, p=.004), multiple pregnancy (t=2.141, p=.037), chorioamnionitis (t=2.349, p=.021), oligohydramnios (t=-2.226, p=.029), broncho-pulmonary dysplasia (t=2.085, p=.040), germinal matrix hemorrhage (t=2.259, p=.027), and revised NBRS (t=-2.772, p=.007). There was a significant positive correlation between postpartum depression and number of health problem of infants (r=.252, p=.024) and revised NBRS (r=.316, p=.004).
CONCLUSION
As 30% of the mothers with preterm infants were at high risk for postpartum depression, they require attention. When providing interventions, socioeconomic status as well as the physiological state of premature infants should be considered.

Citations

• Algılanan Anne Ebeveynlik Öz Yeterlik Ölçeğinin Türk Toplumuna Uyarlanması
  Çağla Verici Kılıç, Oya Kavlak
  Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüs.2024; 11(1): 57.     CrossRef
• The Effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on attachment of mothers with premature infants
  Shahrokh Mehrpisheh, Zahra Doorandish, Roya Farhadi, Mozhgan Ahmadi, Mannaneh Moafi, Forouzan Elyasi
  European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Re.2022; 15: 100149.     CrossRef
• The physical and emotional health of South Korean mothers of preterm infants in the early postpartum period: a descriptive correlational study
  Jiyun Park, Kyung-Sook Bang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(2): 103.     CrossRef
• Experiences of Mothers of Premature Infants Receiving Rehabilitation Therapy
  Hyun-Ju Kang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2018; 24(3): 298.     CrossRef
• Predictors of Quality of Life in Mothers of Premature Infant
  Hyosin Choi, Yeonghee Shin
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2017; 23(3): 191.     CrossRef
• The Effects of Kangaroo Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the Physiological Functions of Preterm Infants, Maternal–Infant Attachment, and Maternal Stress
  Eun-Sook Cho, Shin-Jeong Kim, Myung Soon Kwon, Haeryun Cho, Eun Hye Kim, Eun Mi Jun, Sunhee Lee
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2016; 31(4): 430.     CrossRef
• Prospective Study on Factors Related to Development in Premature Infants at Six-Months
  Kyung-Sook Bang, Hyun-Ju Kang, Buhyun Lee, Mi-Kyung Kwon
  Child Health Nursing Research.2016; 22(3): 199.     CrossRef
• Effects of Self Efficacy, Body Image and Family Support on Postpartum Depression in Early Postpartum Mothers
  Ji-Won Lee, Yong-Sook Eo, Eun-Hye Moon
  Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperati.2015; 16(6): 4011.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to define and clarify the concept of developmental care for preterm infants.
METHODS
The hybrid model method was used to identify the main attributes and indicators. In the field work stage, data were collected in Seoul and Cheonan, Korea. The participants were 5 nurses working in the NICU.
RESULTS
The concept of developmental care was found to have six attributes and ten indicators in 2 dimensions. For the nursing practice dimension, four attributes were derived. They were being like intrauterine state, individualization, interaction, and integrative care with awareness of development. For the family centeredness dimension, supporting parental attachment and professional alliance were attributes of developmental care.
CONCLUSION
Developmental focused care can facilitate the identification of behavioral responses of newborns and provide individualized interventions for fostering growth and development. This concept analysis could provide guidelines for "developmental care" nursing practice and be useful for research in the neonatal field.

Citations

• Effectiveness of Nicu nurses’ competence enhancement program for developmentally supportive care for preterm infants: A quasi-experimental study
  Han Na Lee, Haeryun Cho
  Heliyon.2023; 9(1): e12944.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Neonatal Supportive Positioning Training Video Program for Preterm Infants on the Knowledge and Performance of Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
  Hyun Jin Moon, Kyung Sook Cho, Mi Young An, Dong Woo Son
  Asian Nursing Research.2022; 16(1): 25.     CrossRef
• Analysis of research on developmentally supportive care for prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit: a scoping review
  Hanna Lee, Ji Hyeon Park, Haeryun Cho
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(1): 9.     CrossRef
• Development and effectiveness of an educational program on developmental positioning for neonatal intensive care unit nurses in South Korea: a quasi-experimental study
  Eun-Ju Yun, Tae-Im Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(1): 70.     CrossRef
• Analysis of the educational needs of nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit for developmental supportive care
  Da-Ae Shin, Kyung-Sook Bang
  The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing .2021; 27(3): 261.     CrossRef
• Factors Influencing Developmental Care Practice Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses
  Jisun Park, Ji-Soo Kim
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2019; 47: e10.     CrossRef
• Development of the Developmental Support Competency Scale for Nurses Caring for Preterm Infants
  Jeong Soon Kim, Hee Sun Shin
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2016; 46(6): 793.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to analysis the effects of nasal Continuous Postive Airway Pressure (nCPAP) for preterm infants using systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Thirteen peer-reviewed journals including preterm infants and apnea and nCPAP published between 1973 and 2013 were included. Effect size and statistics of homogeneity were done using STATA 10.0.
RESULTS
The design for 9 studies was Randomized Control Trial. In most of studies the pressure of nCPAP was set to 4-6 cmH2O. The effect size of 5 studies for the effect on apnea rate using nCPAP compared to nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilator (nIPPV) showed that the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) was -0.11 and was not significantly different (Z=0.41, p=.680). But the difference in nCPAP for nasal Synchronizes Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilator (nSIPPV) (subgroup) was significant (SMD=-.44). The effect size of 7 studies on effect for ventilator weaning of using nCPAP compared to nIPPV showed the Risk Ratio (RR) as 1.60 and was not significantly different (Z=1.12, p=.268). But the difference between nCPAP and nSIPPV (subgroup) was significant (RR=3.94).
CONCLUSION
The results indicate a need for an advanced care system and suggest continuous studies of apnea in preterm infants.

PURPOSE
This study was done to investigate the point prevalence of postpartum depression and its predictors during early postpartum in mother of preterm infants.
METHODS
Participants were 101 women, 2-3 weeks after delivery whose preterm babies were hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. Data were collected from June 2010 to January 2011. The instruments included 'Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale', 'Prenatal depression', 'Subjective health status of infant', 'Medical staff support', and 'Husband support'. Collected data were analyzed using t-test, chi2-test, and multiple logistic regression with SPSS/WIN version 18.0.
RESULTS
The point prevalence was 86.1% that postpartum depression occurred during the early postpartum period in mothers of preterm infants. Three significant predictors of postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants were identified; 'Type of delivery (OR, 5.57; 95% CI, 1.25-24.77)', 'Subjective health status of infant (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.70)', and 'Medical staff support (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.97)'.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that postpartum mothers should be screened for postpartum depression early in the postpartum period and that, medical personnel should pay particular attention to mothers with a caesarean section and should help mothers of preterm babies to develop positive perceptions of their babies.

Citations

• Effects of a Noncontact Visit Program in the NICU for the Prevention of COVID-19
  Hye Young Ahn, Hee Jee Jo, Hyun Jeong Ko
  Healthcare.2023; 11(15): 2152.     CrossRef
• The physical and emotional health of South Korean mothers of preterm infants in the early postpartum period: a descriptive correlational study
  Jiyun Park, Kyung-Sook Bang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2022; 28(2): 103.     CrossRef
• Correlations between a Flexible Parental Visiting Environment and Parental Stress in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
  Su Jin Lee, Eun Kyoung Choi, Jeongok Park, Hee Soon Kim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2019; 25(4): 377.     CrossRef
• A Mother’s Experience of Hospitalization of Her Newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  Euna Choi, Youngeun Lee
  Child Health Nursing Research.2018; 24(4): 407.     CrossRef
• Predictors of Quality of Life in Mothers of Premature Infant
  Hyosin Choi, Yeonghee Shin
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2017; 23(3): 191.     CrossRef
• Relations of Postpartum Depression with Socio-Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Preterm Infants and Mothers.
  Kyung Sook Bang, Hyun Ju Kang, Mi Kyung Kwon
  Child Health Nursing Research.2015; 21(1): 1.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of systematic information on maternal attachment, parenting stress and maternal confidence of mothers of premature infants.
METHODS
Using a non-equivalent control group pre-post quasi-experimental design, 42 participants were assigned to one of two groups, an experimental group (n=20), which received systematic information; and a control (n=22), which received the usual discharge education. Prior to the intervention, baseline data were collected (pretest) and then the systematic information was provided four times for the experimental group. Maternal attachment, parenting stress and maternal confidence were measured. Data were collected three times: Seven to 10 days prior to discharge, day of discharge, and two weeks after discharge.
RESULTS
Mothers in the experimental group had significantly higher scores in maternal attachment (F=6.16, p=.005), lower parenting stress scores (F=5.56, p=.004), and higher scores for maternal confidence (F=16.50, p<.001) than mothers in the control group. These tendencies were progressively enhanced even two weeks after discharge from the hospital.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that provision of systematic information to mothers with premature infants is an effective intervention to enhance mothers' maternal attachment, decrease parenting stress, and enhance maternal confidence.

Citations

• Effects of an App-Based Visitation Program for Mothers of High-Risk Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  Nameun Yu, Mi Yu
  Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Implementation of a simulation-based education for mothers in managing respiratory emergencies in the neonatal intensive care unit
  Heemoon Lim, Hyejung Lee
  Journal of Neonatal Nursing.2023; 29(4): 662.     CrossRef
• Effects of Systematic Discharge Education Program on Anxiety and Parenting Confidence in Mothers of Premature Infants
  Eunyoung Kim, Aeran Jo, Meenam Hwang, Hyunjin Moon, Daeun Jeong, Myungjin Jang, Choyeon Lim
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2023; 27(2): 71.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Noncontact Visit Program in the NICU for the Prevention of COVID-19
  Hye Young Ahn, Hee Jee Jo, Hyun Jeong Ko
  Healthcare.2023; 11(15): 2152.     CrossRef
• Development and Effects of Mobile-Application-Based Parenting Support Program for Premature Infants’ Mothers
  Hye Young Ahn, Hyun Jeong Ko, Hee Jee Jo
  Healthcare.2023; 11(19): 2639.     CrossRef
• Simulation-Based Education Improves Mothers’ Confidencein Managing Respiratory Emergency Situations
  Hee-moon Lim, hyejung Lee
  SSRN Electronic Journal .2022;[Epub]     CrossRef
• The relationship between mother‐infant contact time and changes in postpartum depression and mother‐infant attachment among mothers staying at postpartum care centers: An observational study
  Heajin Cho, Ihn Sook Jeong
  Nursing & Health Sciences.2021; 23(2): 547.     CrossRef
• The Development and Validation of a Perceived Nursing Support Scale for Mothers of Preterm Infants
  Mihae Im, Jina Oh
  Asian Nursing Research.2021; 15(5): 317.     CrossRef
• Effects of an Infant Care Education Program for Mothers of Late-preterm Infants on Parenting Confidence, Breastfeeding Rates, and Infants' Growth and Readmission Rates
  Eun Hye Jang, Hyeon Ok Ju
  Child Health Nursing Research.2020; 26(1): 11.     CrossRef
• Parenting Stress in Preterm and Full-term Infant Mothers by Their Children’s Developmental Stages
  Kieun Kim, Hyejung Lee
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2020; 24(3): 162.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Community-based Follow-up Program for Parents with Premature Infants on Parenting Stress, Parenting Efficacy, and Coping
  Eun Sun Ji, Ka Ka Shim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2020; 26(3): 366.     CrossRef
• Validation of the Korean Version of the Maternal Postpartum Attachment Development Scale for Mothers of Children who were in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  Ah Rim Kim, Young Ran Tak
  Korean Journal of Child Studies.2018; 39(1): 129.     CrossRef
• A Mother’s Experience of Hospitalization of Her Newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  Euna Choi, Youngeun Lee
  Child Health Nursing Research.2018; 24(4): 407.     CrossRef
• Effect of Child Development Knowledge, Rearing Knowledge and Use of Health Care Service on Maternal Confidence among Mothers with Premature Infants
  So Yeon Kim, Sook Jung Kang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2017; 23(4): 407.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Hospital Based Follow-Up Program for Mothers with Very Low Birth Weight Infants
  Min Hee Kim, Eun Sun Ji
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2016; 46(1): 79.     CrossRef
• Participation in Prenatal Education, Knowledge and Attitude related to Delivery, Postpartum Care, Newborn Care in Nulliparous Women
  Mi-Young Kim, Gwang-Suk Kim, Sue Kim, Hye-Jung Lee
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2016; 22(3): 139.     CrossRef
• Maternal Role Development in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduate Mothers of Premature Infant
  Ah Rim Kim, Young Ran Tak
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2015; 21(4): 308.     CrossRef
• Current Status of Occupational Therapy in Korean University Hospital NICUs
  Sunmi Kim, Seohee Park, Sunjoung An
  Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medic.2014; 2(4): 19.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
Parents with a premature infant are usually confronted with difficulties in caring for their babies and need education on appropriate care. The purpose of this paper was to describe the components of caring education for parents with a premature infant based on an integrative literature review and to present strategies for future education.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched to identify studies. Sixteen articles were selected through full text screening of related research published in domestic journals from January 1990 to October 2012.
RESULTS
Through in-depth discussion and investigation of the relevant literature, three components emerged; (a) nurses as educators and parents as learners, (b) education content including caring on admission or discharge, and effects of education, and (c) education environment including timing, place and materials.
CONCLUSION
Future education on caring for premature infant should include the nurse as educator and have diverse content including parent's role, interaction with healthcare providers, and special care for premature infants with special problems. Moreover, highly technical teaching materials should be provided, along with continuous support of institution and government to individual caregivers.
Results
of this study provide comprehensive prospective and basic standards for education on premature infant care.

Citations

• An Integrated Review of Transitional Care for Families of Pre-Term Infants
  Jeong Soon Kim, Hae Ran Kim
  Healthcare.2024; 12(22): 2287.     CrossRef
• Implementation of a simulation-based education for mothers in managing respiratory emergencies in the neonatal intensive care unit
  Heemoon Lim, Hyejung Lee
  Journal of Neonatal Nursing.2023; 29(4): 662.     CrossRef
• Simulation-Based Education Improves Mothers’ Confidencein Managing Respiratory Emergency Situations
  Hee-moon Lim, hyejung Lee
  SSRN Electronic Journal .2022;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Nursing support perceived by mothers of preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit in South Korea
  Mihae Im, Jina Oh
  Child Health Nursing Research.2021; 27(2): 146.     CrossRef
• Development of Healthcare Service Design Concepts for NICU Parental Education
  Hanui Yu, Dahae Woo, Hyo Jin Kim, Minyoung Choi, Dong Hee Kim
  Children.2021; 8(9): 795.     CrossRef
• The Development and Validation of a Perceived Nursing Support Scale for Mothers of Preterm Infants
  Mihae Im, Jina Oh
  Asian Nursing Research.2021; 15(5): 317.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Community-based Follow-up Program for Parents with Premature Infants on Parenting Stress, Parenting Efficacy, and Coping
  Eun Sun Ji, Ka Ka Shim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2020; 26(3): 366.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Hospital Based Follow-Up Program for Mothers with Very Low Birth Weight Infants
  Min Hee Kim, Eun Sun Ji
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2016; 46(1): 79.     CrossRef
• The Needs for Discharge Education and Educational Performance of Nurses Perceived by Premature Infants Mothers In the ICT Medical Service
  Soo-Heui Kim, Seong-Woo Choi, So-Yeon Ryu, Mi-Ah Han
  The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic c.2016; 11(7): 707.     CrossRef
• Maternal Role Development in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduate Mothers of Premature Infant
  Ah Rim Kim, Young Ran Tak
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2015; 21(4): 308.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The purposes of this study were to assess the parenting stress in mothers of premature infants and stress related characteristics of mothers and infants.
METHODS
The methodology was a cross sectional survey study using self-report questionnaires. Participants in this study were 36 mothers of infants with corrected ages of 4 months to 12 months who were born prematurely. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation with the SPSS WIN 19.0 program.
RESULTS
The mean score for parenting stress in mothers of premature infants was 74.639+/-17.570, indicating that the mothers actually experienced stress. When mothers were able to have some private time, parenting stress was statistically significantly lower. When the residential status was having one's own house and the local community provided informational support regarding child nurturing, there was a statistically significant decrease in the sub-category of particular infant temperament. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between mothers' depression and parenting stress.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that there is a need for nursing interventions to increase mothers' private time and to include informational support regarding health management of children including developmental status assessment from local communities.

Citations

• The Effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on attachment of mothers with premature infants
  Shahrokh Mehrpisheh, Zahra Doorandish, Roya Farhadi, Mozhgan Ahmadi, Mannaneh Moafi, Forouzan Elyasi
  European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Re.2022; 15: 100149.     CrossRef
• The effect of education based on the health belief model in improving anxiety among mothers of infants with retinopathy of prematurity
  Azam Salehnezhad, Hamidreza Zendetalab, Shoeibi Naser, Hamidreza Behnam Voshni, Mojtaba Abrishami, Mohmmadreza Ansari Astaneh, Belin Tavakkoli Sani, Zahra Emami Moghadam
  Journal of Education and Health Promotion.2022; 11(1): 424.     CrossRef
• The Mediating Effects of Parenting Stress on the Relationship between the Health Problems of Children with Food Allergies and the Perceived Health Status of Parents
  Young Il Cho, Hyo Jin Kim, Dong Hee Kim
  Korean Journal of Stress Research.2021; 29(2): 115.     CrossRef
• Parenting Stress in Preterm and Full-term Infant Mothers by Their Children’s Developmental Stages
  Kieun Kim, Hyejung Lee
  Journal of The Korean Society of Maternal and Chil.2020; 24(3): 162.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Community-based Follow-up Program for Parents with Premature Infants on Parenting Stress, Parenting Efficacy, and Coping
  Eun Sun Ji, Ka Ka Shim
  Child Health Nursing Research.2020; 26(3): 366.     CrossRef
• The Relationship between Parental Stress and Nurses' Communication as Perceived by Parents of High-risk Newborns
  Chang Hee Lee, Mi Heui Jang, Yong Sung Choi, Hyunsook Shin
  Child Health Nursing Research.2019; 25(2): 184.     CrossRef
• The Relationship between Stress, Social Support, and Confidence in Paternal Role Perceived by Korean Fathers of High Risk Infants
  Jeong Hee Eom, YeoJin Im
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2019; 49: e21.     CrossRef
• Experiences of Mothers of Premature Infants Receiving Rehabilitation Therapy
  Hyun-Ju Kang
  Child Health Nursing Research.2018; 24(3): 298.     CrossRef
• Predictors of Quality of Life in Mothers of Premature Infant
  Hyosin Choi, Yeonghee Shin
  Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2017; 23(3): 191.     CrossRef
• Factors Influencing Parenting Stress in Mothers of Preschoolers Born Prematurely
  Sangmi Lee
  Child Health Nursing Research.2017; 23(4): 470.     CrossRef
• The Effects of Kangaroo Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the Physiological Functions of Preterm Infants, Maternal–Infant Attachment, and Maternal Stress
  Eun-Sook Cho, Shin-Jeong Kim, Myung Soon Kwon, Haeryun Cho, Eun Hye Kim, Eun Mi Jun, Sunhee Lee
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2016; 31(4): 430.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Hospital Based Follow-Up Program for Mothers with Very Low Birth Weight Infants
  Min Hee Kim, Eun Sun Ji
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2016; 46(1): 79.     CrossRef
• Relationship among Parenting Stress, Self-Esteem and Social Support on Mental Retardation Child Mother's
  Chu-young Jeong, Young-sook Seo
  Journal of Korean Clinical Health Science.2016; 4(4): 709.     CrossRef
• Relations of Postpartum Depression with Socio-Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Preterm Infants and Mothers.
  Kyung Sook Bang, Hyun Ju Kang, Mi Kyung Kwon
  Child Health Nursing Research.2015; 21(1): 1.     CrossRef
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PURPOSE
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of music therapy as auditory stimulus on the heart rate and behavioral state of premature infants.
METHOD
The study design was a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Forty premature infants who were admitted at NICU were selected and assigned to two groups, experimental and control. Data were collected from April 20 to July 31, 2003 and analysed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and ANCOVA. Infants in experimental group were given music therapy for 20 minutes daily in 7 days at the average level of 56dB.
RESULTS
The first hypothesis that 'Infants in the experimental group will be lower in heart rate than those in the control group' was rejected(F= .05, p= .816). The 2nd hypothesis that 'Infants in the experimental group will be lower in behavioral state score than those in the control group, was supported(F=7.40, p= .010).
CONCLUSION
The music therapy in this study was an effective nursing intervention in decreasing the heart rate and behavioral state score of premature infants.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on weight of premature infants when Yakson therapy was conducted by mothers and also to measure role confidence and role satisfaction of the mothers.
METHOD
A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. The data were collected from January to July, 2005. Thirty preterm infants and mothers were assigned to either an experimental (15) or a control group (15). Yakson therapy consists of three phases: laying on of hands, caressing by hands, and laying on of hands again, each phase taking 5 minutes. Yakson therapy was provided to infants in the experimental group for 15-minutes 5 times a day for 15 days. Infant weight, mothers' role confidence and satisfaction with role were measured for both groups.
RESULTS
Compared to the control group, weight gain of infants in the experimental group (t=2.05, p=.049) was significantly increased after 15 days. The experimental group also had significantly higher scores in mothers' role confidence (t=1.98, p=.038).
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that Yakson therapy can be used to increase weight gain in preterm infants and improve the role confidence of mothers.