Effect of Instructional Program on Nurses' Performance Regarding Expressed Breast Milk used in Trophic Feeding for Preterm Infant

Background: Trophic feeding is a strategy used to encourage the development of preterm neonates' underdeveloped gastrointestinal tracts by giving them small volumes of enteral feedings. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an instructional program on nurses' performance regarding expressed breast milk used in trophic feeding for preterm neonates. Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Settings: The research was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Fayoum General Hospital and Mostafa Hassan Pediatric Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 100 nurses using expressed breast milk in trophic feeding and preterm neonates. Tools: Three tools were used. The first was a structured interview questionnaire that collected required information regarding the attributes of the subjects and the nurses’ knowledge regarding expressed breast milk used in trophic feeding for preterm neonates. 2nd Tool: An observational checklist designed to assess nurses’ practices with regard to expressed breast milk used in trophic feeding for preterm neonates. 3rd tool: Attitude Type-Rating Scale. Results: There was a highly significant difference (p=0.001) between the total level of the nurses’ knowledge, practices, and attitude pre/post intervention. Additionally, there was a positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) between the nurses' total knowledge, practices, and attitude pre- and post-intervention. Conclusion: The health education intervention significantly enhanced nurses' understanding, practices, and attitudes regarding the use of expressed breast milk in trophic feeding for preterm neonates. Recommendation: Continuous health education program for nurses to raise awareness about expressing breast milk used in trophic feeding for preterm neonates.