Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A (2022)

Background: Feeding intolerance among preterm infants is a significant contributing factor to their prolonged hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit. This condition is further exacerbated by the use of noninvasive ventilation. 
The aim of this study is to examines the effectiveness of utilizing abdominal massage and prone positioning on the incidence of feeding intolerance in preterm infants receiving noninvasive ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit. 
The study employed a randomized controlled trial with an equivalent control group pretest and posttest design to investigate the subject matter. The research was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit affiliated with the Specialized Pediatric Hospital in Benha city, Egypt. The research was carried out on a sample of 75 premature infants, divided into three groups: 25 subjects who received abdominal massage, 25 who were placed in a prone position, and 25 who served as a control group. The study monitored feeding intolerance parameters, including gastric residue, abdominal distension, and vomiting, on both the first (pre) and seventh (post) days. 
The findings indicate a statistically significant distinction (P≤ 0.001) between the first and seventh day of the trial in both the abdominal massage group and prone positioning group, as compared to the control group, in relation to the feeding intolerance parameter. This was evidenced by an increase in defecation frequency, a reduction in gastric residue, a decrease in vomits and regurgitations, a relief in abdominal distention, an absence of bradycardia, and a decrease in abdominal circumference. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between the application of abdominal massage and the utilization of prone positioning in relation to the parameter of feeding intolerance.
In conclusion, the study found that the implementation of abdominal massage and prone positioning had a significant impact on the incidence of feeding intolerance in preterm infants receiving noninvasive ventilation. As a result, the author recommends that nursing professionals consider these interventions as proactive measures for addressing feeding intolerance in this preterm.