Purpose
This study aimed to identify factors-both infant-related and maternal-associated with pressure to eat as a feeding practice among mothers with infants.
Methods
This study used a cross-sectional design and included 163 mothers of infants aged 2~12 months. Of the 180 self-reported questionnaires that were distributed, 163 (91%) were included in the data analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with pressure to eat as a feeding practice among the mothers.
Results
Infant’s temperament (β=-.17, p=.035), mother’s body mass index (β=-.16, p=.048), and concern about the infant being underweight (β=.30, p=.001) were associated with pressure to eat as a feeding practice among mothers. The explanatory power of these variables in the predictive model was 19.2%.
Conclusion
Educational programs should be developed for improving mother’s awareness of cues from infants with difficult temperament. In addition, educational interventions regarding the correct evaluation of infant’s weight are needed to relieve mother’s concern about their infant’s being underweight. These interventions might be helpful to reduce the prevalence of pressure to eat as a feeding practice among mothers with infants.

Citations

• Evaluation of a Mobile-based Maternal Feeding Education Program for Overweight Prevention in Infants
  Jin Suk Ra
  Asian Nursing Research.2021; 15(2): 136.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of gestational age and birth weight with weight gain of very low birth weight infants(VLBWI) during their hospital stay.
METHOD
This is a 5 year retrospective study of which data were collected through review of medical records. Subjects were 124 VLBW infants with a birth weight more than 1000g and less than 1500g who received neonatal intensive care at the university hospital between January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2001.
RESULT
After calculating the z scores of birth weights and discharge weights, z scores of discharge weight and birth weight were compared with the median weight of a fetus of comparable gestational age based on an intrauterine growth reference. There was a significant difference between z scores of birth weight and discharge weight(t=11.60, df=122, p=0.000). Regardless of intensive care during the prolonged hospital stay, VLBW infants showed slow growth rate compared with the median weight of a fetus of comparable gestational age.
CONCLUSION
VLBW infants developed a poor velocity of weight gain during the prolonged hospital stay after birth. The development worsened during the period of physiological weight loss and regain, and they did not reach to comparable growth rate of normal fetus even at the time of discharge. This poor growth velocity of VLBW infants influence negatively for their future growth. Therefore nureses who work at the neonatal intensive care unit must develop an effective nursing intervention protocol to promote the velocity of weight gain and to conduct the parental educational sessions to emphasize the importance of weight gain for VLBW infants at home.

This study has been conducted on the nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design in quasi experimental basis and newly born premature infants from intensive care unit of G Medical University Hospital in Inchon Metropolitan were selected in two groups of 21 infants each. The first group for experimental and the other for control. Data has been collected form October 30, 1997 to August 29, 1998. For the experimental group tactile and kinesthetic stimulation was applied 2 times a day for10 days(10:00 ~ 11:00 hours in the morning and 17:00 ~ 18:00 in the afternoon). As a weight weighing instrument, electronic indicator scale(Cas Co. korea) was used. Collected data were analyzed with the SAS program using X2-test, student t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, Pearson correlated coefficient and Stepwise multiple regression. The result were as follow. 1. As for the daily weight gain, the experimental group showed first change in weight and this group also showed higher weight in the average weight than the control group. Statistically, however, there was no significant factor between the two groups. 2. In the correlation between general characteristics and weight gain, gestation period, apgar score, admission period before study, N.P.O. period after birth, recovery period to birth weight showed statistical significance negative correlation with weight gain in the experimental group than control group. 3. In the factor with affected the weight gain by general characteristics showed recovery period to birth weight and head circumference in the experimental group, control group showed recovery period to birth weight, N. P. O. period after birth, admission period before study, feeding amount, weight of study. In conclusion, the sensory stimulation in this study showed a positive aspect through there was no statistical significance in the weight gain. In the correlation of general characteristics and weight gain showed statistical significance negative correlation. The main factor which affected the weight gain by general characteristics showed recovery period to birth weight.