410 - The Effect of Kangaroo Care on Length of Time Premature Infants Spend in the NICU

Poster Number: 410
Publication Number: 410.135

Kristen Anderson, Arkansas State University, Center Ridge, AR, United States; Enrique Gomez, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Jonesboro, AR, United States; Kathryn B. Flannigan, Arkansas State University, State University, AR, United States; Melanie M. Mata, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, United States; Mollie H. Manning, Ascend Learning - ATI, Jonesboro, AR, United States

Background: Caring for infants born prematurely can be costly and require the use of expensive and complicated technology if the infants get admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Kangaroo Care (KC) is defined as early onset of skin-to-skin contact between newborns and mothers and nearly exclusive intake of human milk.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of KC on decreasing the total length of time that premature infants stay in the NICU in comparison to traditional methods of care like incubators.

Design/Methods: Using a retrospective chart review from a Level III NICU of infants born less than 35 weeks of gestation between March 2019 and March 2020, information is gathered on length of stay and various discharge criteria such as feedings, weight gain, length gain, and respiratory support. The data was then analyzed using a Pearson r correlation.

Results: A positive correlation approaching statistical significance was found between number of KC sessions and length of stay (LOS) that shows KC could be influential in earlier discharges. A statistically significant correlation was found between increased KC sessions and increase weight and length gain showing that KC contributes to a stable and thriving environment.Conclusion(s): Kangaroo Care is a safe and effective intervention that promotes bonding in a stressful environment, contributes to increased growth, and may decrease the length of stay in the NICU. It should be encouraged with stable infants whenever possible.
Variable Averages and Statistics
Pearson r Correlation (1-tailed Significance) for Primary Variables