Oral Sucrose for Neonatal Pain: Perception of Jordanian Nurses

Background: Neonatal pain management using sucrose has been an established practice in Western countries. However, in the developing world, the practice is still not widely accepted. Neonatal nurses\u27 perceptions about the neonatal pain experience and efficacy of oral sucrose may influence that decision. Purpose: To investigate Jordanian neonatal nurses\u27 perceptions about the use of oral sucrose for neonatal pain. Design and sample: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to collect data from 191 neonatal nurses working in 3 different hospital settings in northern and middle central Jordan. Main outcome variables: Knowledge and perception of Jordanian nurses about neonatal pain and oral sucrose and their relationship to demographic variables. Results: More than half of nurses had knowledge deficit about pain management. Fifty-five percent of the nurses had a positive perception toward pain assessment tools, and the majority indicated positive opinion toward oral sucrose usage. Demographic factors can impact their perceptions

Postpartum evaluation of vitamin D among a sample of Jordanian women

The aims of this study were to explore the vitamin D status among a sample of Jordanian postpartum women and identify factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. A total of 171 postpartum women agreed to participate. Participants completed a questionnaire on factors related to vitamin D deficiency and provided a blood sample to assess their plasma vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels using DIA source Immuno-Assays S.A. analysis. The majority of women (76%, n = 130) had vitamin D deficiency and 24% (n = 41) of participants had vitamin D insufficiency. Factors associated with vitamin D deficiency were younger age (< 30 years), low education level, unemployment, multiparity, lactation, dress style, limited sunlight exposure, high BMI, dark skin colour and lack of multivitamin use. Vitamin D supplementation must be considered during pregnancy and lactation to prevent hypovitaminosis in both mother and baby

Factors associated with birth weight inequalities in Jordan

Background: Birth weight is a good indicator of mothers’ and neonates’ nutritional status, and it contributes to the newborn baby’s survival, health, growth and development. Aim: This study identified social factors associated with differences in the mean birth weight of newborn babies in Jordan. Methods: This retrospective study analysed medical records to determine possible risk factors associated with differences in newborn BW in the Irbid governorate of Jordan. All full-term singleton births during the year 2010 were reviewed. Abstracted data included mother’s age, educational level, and monthly family income. Newborn information included birth weight, gender and birth order. Results: A total of 5414 full-term singleton births were included. Of these, 15.1% were low birth weight, 73.6% were normal birth weight, and 11.3% were high birth weight. Bivariate analysis of variance revealed that low mean birth weight was associated with female gender, first-born babies, higher maternal age (>35 years), lower educational level and lower income (<500 JD). Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that mean birth weight was lower in female infants, first-born infants, infants of less educated mothers, higher age and low monthly income. Limitations: The findings can be generalized to full-term singleton pregnancies in countries who share similar cultural and traditional values. Conclusion: Education of mothers is a modifiable variable that can positively influence birth weight, particularly in the case of female and first-born infants. Implication for Nursing and Health Policy: The findings inform our understanding of some social factors affecting birth weights of neonates in Jordan and development of effective public health interventions that could reduce the adverse effects of such factors on newborn birth weight. Preconception and antenatal care is also important for early detection of such possible risk and targeting mothers who require early interventions and support