Abstract
Preterm birth defined as neonates born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is a major concern. These neonates are more likely to have both immediate and long-term health issues. A common problem in preterm neonates is feeding difficulties, primarily due to their inability to suck, breathe, and swallow. To address these difficulties, a combined intervention Preterm Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) with Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) was introduced to enhance breast feeding efficiency. To evaluate the combined effectiveness of PIOMI and KMC in enhancing latching efficiency and weight gain among preterm neonates. This single-group repeated-measures study designed to evaluate feeding and weight gain in preterm neonates who received 6-week intervention of PIOMI with KMC. The LATCH score and weight were assessed at baseline, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week. A total of 50 preterm neonates were enrolled and all of whom completed the intervention protocol. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA results showed a significant time effect (F (2.563) = 238.08 p < 0.0001, ηp² = 0.829), suggesting that the intervention had a significant effect on preterm neonates' ability to feed. Post-hoc comparisons showed improved latch score and weight gain across all-time intervals (p < 0.0001), reflecting a constant increase over the period of intervention. The structured intervention was found to be effective in improving weight gain and breastfeeding efficiency in preterm neonates. These results support the understanding that structured developmentally supportive interventions like PIOMI and KMC can be implementor in resource-constrained neonatal care settings.
Keywords: Child Wellbeing, Feeding Interventions, Health Policy Implementation, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), Preterm Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI), Preterm Neonates.