The Relation between Trunk-to-Head Bathing and the Traditional Head-to-Trunk Bathing on Newborns’ Outcome
1Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
2Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
3Lecturer of Maternity and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University, Egypt
Safaa Soliman Ahmed Mohamed, Sahar Sedky Faheim, Doaa Shehta Said Farg, Hanan Elzeblawy
Hassan, “The Relation between Trunk-to-Head Bathing and the Traditional Head-to-Trunk Bathing on Newborns’
Outcome”. American Research Journal of Nursing. 2018; 4(1): 1-12.
Abstract
Background: Maintaining body temperature and decreasing stress are essential challenges in bathing newborn
infants.
Aim: to compare the effects of trunk-to-head bathing and the traditional head-to-trunk bathing on newborns’
outcomes.
Design: А quasi-experimental research design was selected for this study.
Setting: delivery room in Beni-Suef General Hospital.
Sample: А convenient sample of 100 pregnant women and her newborns in the previous setting.
Tools: Two structured interviewing questionnaires for pregnant women and her newborn. The first tool was
for mother which included socio-demographic data. The second tool included questionnaires about infant
outcomes.
Results: there were statistically significant differences (P<0.001) in bathing time between groups. No statistically
significant differences in baseline body temperature, heart rate & oxygen saturation between experimental and
control group.
Conclusion: The trunk to head bathing intervention seems to be safe, effective and of particular importance
for stable and healthy full-term newborns. Thermal stability of newborns is very important in newborns’ care.
Therefore, trunk to head bath procedures must be carefully reflected to advance a method that decreases heat
loss by evaporation not only before and after the bath but also during the bath.
Recommendations: The trunk to head bath practice should be standardized and supported by Ministry of
Health and hospital administration. Increasing awareness of the routine trunk to head bath by obstetrics &
pediatric nurses
