Effect of Field Massage on Bilirubin Level and Stool Passage Frequency among Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia under Phototherapy

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common problems in neonatal period and the main causes for admissions at neonatal intensive care units and effects on neonates during the first two weeks of life. Aim of this study was to determine the effect of field massage on bilirubin level and stool passage frequency among neonates with hyperbilirubinemia under phototherapy. Research design: quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Assiut University Children Hospital. Subjects: purposive sampling included 60 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia divided randomly into study and control groups. Tool: Neonatal Assessment sheet included age, gender, birth weight, onset of hyperbilirubinemia, daily total serum bilirubin level, hospital stay and stool frequency. Results indicated that five days of field massage has exceeded number of defecation in the study group and high statistical significant reduction in the level of serum bilirubin in the study group than control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Field massage with phototherapy in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia was effective in increasing number of stool frequency and reducing total serum bilirubin level. Recommendations: Educational training program should be provided for nurses about field massage as non-pharmacological intervention to reduce serum bilirubin level and increase stool passage frequency.