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

Authors

  • Naglaa Fathy Galal AbdElbacky Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University, Keman Fares, Arab 63514, Egypt
  • Hyam Rafaat Tantawi Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University, El-Abaseya 11566, Egypt
  • Amany Ibrahim Abdalla Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University, Keman Fares, Arab 63514, Egypt
  • Safaa Salah Ismail Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University, Helwan, Cairo Governorate 4034572, Egypt

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2026.v17i03.016

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

Breast milk, Nurses' Performance, Preterm Infants, Trophic Feeding

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Published

10-01-2026

How to Cite

Fathy Galal AbdElbacky, N. ., Rafaat Tantawi, H. ., Ibrahim Abdalla, A. ., & Salah Ismail, S. . (2026). Effect of Instructional Program on Nurses’ Performance Regarding Expressed Breast Milk used in Trophic Feeding for Preterm Infant. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN), 17(3), 165-175. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2026.v17i03.016

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