The Effect of Auricular Massage on Naso‐Oral Suctioning Procedural Pain in Premature Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Study

Background In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), premature neonates frequently endure painful procedures that can lead to long‐lasting sequelae, underscoring the critical need for safe and effective pain management strategies. Auricular massage has demonstrated significant benefits for children, including anxiety and stress relief. Investigating its effectiveness in alleviating pain in neonates could introduce a valuable nonpharmacological approach to pain management, enhancing the overall care and comfort of these vulnerable infants. Objective This research is aimed at studying the effectiveness of a 3‐min session of auricular massage in reducing pain caused by nasal and oral suctioning among premature neonates in the NICU in Jordan. Methods A randomized controlled trial employing a single‐blind crossover design was conducted in a single hospital. Preterm neonates were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In Condition I, neonates initially received auricular massage treatment after suctioning, followed, after 2 days, by no massage after suctioning. Conversely, in Condition II, neonates had the reversed sequence, starting with no massage and then receiving auricular massage treatment after 2 days. Pain levels in the neonates were assessed using the Premature Infant Pain Profile‐Revised (PIPP‐R) scale. Results Data from 60 preterm neonates were analyzed using the SPSS Version 28. Chi‐square and independent t ‐tests revealed no significant differences between neonates in the study conditions based on gender ( p = 0.43), gestational age ( p = 0.41), and body weight ( p = 0.35). Paired t ‐test results indicated a significant difference in pain scores when comparing periods of auricular massage to periods without massage. The mean pain score following auricular massage was 3.63 (SD = 2.36), whereas it was 10.23 (SD = 2.40) in the absence of massage. Conclusion Auricular massage for a 3‐min duration is an effective nursing intervention that warrants consideration as a nonpharmacological method of pain relief for premature neonates during admission to the NICU.