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. 2005 Sep;5(3):116-123.
doi: 10.1053/j.nainr.2005.04.001.

Prediction of Feeding Performance in Preterm Infants

Rita H Pickler  1 , Al M Best, Barbara A Reyna, Paul A Wetzel, Gary R Gutcher
Affiliations

Prediction of Feeding Performance in Preterm Infants

Rita H Pickler et al. Newborn Infant Nurs Rev. 2005 Sep.

Abstract

A nonexperimental study with a sample of 95 preterm infants was used to develop a model of feeding performance outcomes (proficiency, percent of prescribed volume consumed, and efficiency) using feeding readiness indicators (morbidity, maturity, behavior state at feeding start, and feeding experience). All readiness indicators were related to each other. In particular, there was a strong relationship between maturity and feeding experience. Morbidity only had an effect on efficiency; the most ill infants were less efficient feeders. Behavior state affects all feeding outcomes in a linear fashion; more awake and alert infants had better feeding performance outcomes. The effect of experience and maturity on the outcomes is more complex because of the relationship between the two. Experience has a greater effect as the infant matures, and as the infant matures, the amount of experience increases. Successful feeding requires maturity as well as experience.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Trends in readiness indicators by morbidity classification. Classification 1–5 (1 = most well, 5 = most ill). Morbidity: indicates 1 (most well); ■, 2; ○, 3; ■, 4; ■, 5 (most ill).
Fig 2
Fig 2
Relationships between outcomes and maturity and experience. Classification 1–5 (1–2 = most well, 5 = most ill). Morbidity: indicates 1,2 (most well); ○, 3; ■, 4; ■, 5 (most ill).
Fig 3
Fig 3
Relationships between proficiency and consumed. Classification 1–5 (1–2 = most well, 5 = most ill). Morbidity: indicates 1,2 (most well); ○, 3; ■, 4; ■, 5 (most ill).
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