Nurses’ Practices of Caring Toward Premature Infants at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Descriptive Study Research

Abstract

Objective: To assess of demographic features and practices of nurses providing about the premature baby needs at neonatal intensive care unit.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Nursing, College of Nursing, Thi-Qar University, Iraq from 20th November 2024 to 10th April 2025.

Methods: A total 50 nurses in the neonatal intensive care units of teaching hospitals (Bent Al-Huda Hospital and Al-Mousawi Hospital) were enrolled.

Results: The nurses between 20-30 years have the largest. Bachelor's degrees in nursing were the majority of the educational level. 20% nurses have 6-10 years of experience and majority were 1-5 years experience in the neonatal intensive care unit. Skin care was assessed by 60% of the nurses, skin color, signs of skin infection and skin irritation were assessed. In contrast, 28% of the nurses studied did not assess the quality of care.

Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between nurses' practice score and age, the level of education, years of experience and experience in the neonatal intensive care unit.