EÜ Korğalı, FŞ Orhon

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the effect of education given by home visiting on the families of moderate/late premature infants (MLPI) in respect of exclusively breastfeeding (EBF), complementary feeding and parent-infant interaction up to 1-year. Method: MLPI were randomly separated into three groups (n=22) as Standard Care (SCG), Mothers Education (MEG) and Family Education Group (FEG). Four home visits were made to MEG/FEG. They were evaluated at 1-week after discharge and 1/2/3/4/6/9/12 months. Infant-Character-Perception-Scale, Maternal-Attachment-Inventory, Paternal-Postnatal-Attachment-Questionnaire, State-Anxiety-Inventory were used. Results: EBF was higher in MEG/FEG than SCG at 3th (respectively 72.7%, 59.1%, 27.3%, p=0.01, OR:7.11; 95% CI; 1.89-26.80 and OR:3.85; 1.01-13.66), 4th (72.7%, 54.5%, 13.6%, p<0.001, OR:16.89; 3.63-78.56 and OR:7.6; 1.73-33.34) and 6th month (68.2%, 54.5%, 27.3%, p=0.02, OR:13.57; 2.99-61.59 and OR:6.3; 1.45-27.73). At 12 months, breastfeeding cessation was higher in SCG (50%) than MEG (18.2%) and FEG (22.7%) (p=0.04). Mothers' baby perception, mother/father-infant attachment were better in MEG/FEG. Conclusion: Education program can improve EBF and parent-infant interaction in MLPI.