Effect of Yakson touch on behavioural response among late preterm neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit

Background: In neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) neonates are exposed to hazardous stimuli such as light, sound and invasive procedures and this induces stress. Therapeutic touch is considered as one of the methods to reduce stress and to improve behavioural state among neonates. Hence this study aimed to assess the effect of yakson touch on behavioural response among late preterm neonates. Methods: A Randomized controlled trial was carried out among 84 neonates in NICU. Convenience sampling technique was used to enroll the neonates who met the inclusion criteria. The control group received routine care and the experimental group received Yakson touch for 15 minutes once a day for six consecutive days. From medical record clinical characteristics of the preterm neonates were collected in both groups on first day and third and sixth day after the intervention behavioural responses were assessed with Anderson behavioural state scale. Data were analyzed using chi square test, independent t test, ANOVA and spearman correlation with SPSS software version 19. Results: After 6 days of intervention, in the experimental group, the ABSS score was 4.05±1.652 compared to 7.10±1.722 in the control group and it was significant P=0.000. Regarding categories of ABSS, infant sleep was better in the experimental group on 3rd day (28.6%) and 6th day (81%) and it was significant P<0.05. Regarding awakeness and restlessness also on 3rd and sixth day it showed significance p<0.05 Conclusions: Yakson touch is an inexpensive, harmless and noninvasive approach to improve the behavioral response among late preterm neonates. It will induce sleep, reduces the energy consumption and stress among late preterm neonates admitted to NICU.