Assessing neonatal intensive care unit nurses' knowledge and use of Oro-Motor Stimulation in preterm neonates in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction Oro-motor stimulation (OMS) reportedly offers significant physiological and psychological benefits in preterm neonates. Limited studies have assessed nurses' knowledge and use of OMS in preterm neonates in Saudi Arabian Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Aim This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge and use of OMS among preterm neonates in the NICU in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge of 122 NICU nurses regarding OMS among poor-sucking preterm neonates in four hospitals in Saudi Arabia (one private and three governmental). A 20-item questionnaire was used to collect the data on the OMS knowledge. Three additional items were used to assess the type of oral stimulation, availability of guidelines, and previous training on OMS. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample, the knowledge level, and the use of OMS. Results The mean knowledge of NICU nurses regarding OMS was low (56 % ? 17 %). Half of the NICU nurses possessed a low level of knowledge of OMS. The majority of the nurses used non-nutritive sucking with a pacifier and non-nutritive sucking with a gloved finger to stimulate oral feeding of preterm neonates (53 % and 34 %). All the nurses reported that they did not have a policy/protocol/guideline for OMS, nor did they receive training or education on the OMS. Conclusion NICU nurses in Saudi Arabia did not use OMS, and their knowledge regarding OMS was low. Interventional programs are needed to enhance the use of OMS and boost the knowledge of NICU nurses regarding OMS.