NURSES' PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE FEEDING OF PRETERM NEWBORNS

PERCEPCIÓN DE ENFERMEROS SOBRE LA ALIMENTACIÓN DEL RECIÉN NACIDO PREMATURO

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to analyze nurses' perceptions about the feeding of preterm newborns and their motivations in using feeding methods during hospitalization in the neonatology unit.

Method:

descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out between July 2019 and January 2020, using semi-structured interviews with 30 nurses from a neonatology unit. The analysis of interview data was carried out using lexicographical textual analysis, the descending hierarchical classification, and similarity analysis through IRaMuTeQ - R Interface software.

Results:

876 text segments were analyzed in the descending hierarchical classification, retaining 86.3% of the total for the creation of five classes that resulted from content participation. The similarity analysis of the words representing the nurses' perception about oral feeding and the choice of feeding method led to three central cores, represented by the words: think, give, bottle.

Conclusion:

Nurses recognize the importance of continuing education and training in the assessment of oral skills. The reason for choosing the feeding method is often based on criteria such as preference, speed, and ease.

DESCRIPTORS:
Nurses; Child nutrition; Feeding methods; Neonatology; Preterm newborn