Behaviors of very preterm neonates as documented using NIDCAP observations.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the range and frequency of behaviors in neonates 24-30 weeks postconceptional age (PCA) using the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care Assessment Program (NIDCAP).


METHODS
A prospective design with convenience sampling was used.


METHODS
Starting 24-72 hours postnatally and continuing through 30 weeks PCA, 8,144 two-minute observations of 85 NIDCAP behaviors were collected and analyzed from 42 neonates born at 24-29 weeks gestation.


METHODS
The main outcome variables were the frequencies of the 85 neonatal behaviors measured by the NIDCAP. Frequencies were organized first by subsystem (autonomic, motor, or state) and were categorized further based on week of PCA. Comparisons of behavioral frequencies by number of weeks PCA were completed using correlation and regression analyses.


RESULTS
The most frequently observed behaviors were irregular respirations, pink color, postured flexion of the extremities, immature light sleep, and drowsiness. Least frequently observed behaviors consisted of burps, bowel movement, grunting, smooth motor movements, cooing, and speech movement. Regression analysis illustrated that the pattern of behavior was significantly similar week to week.
Pressler
J L
JL
College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA. jlp16@psu.edu
Hepworth
J T
JT
Helm
J M
JM
Wells
N L
NL
D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018730:Infant Behavior / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000523:psychology; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000523:psychology; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D012044:Regression Analysis