Objectives:To determine the effect of 7 days tactile kinesthetic stimulation (TKS) on preterm infants’ weight and hospital stays in Khartoum State, Sudan.Methods:This is a quasi-experimental study, it was conducted in 4 hospitals between January and June 2013, Khartoum, Sudan, and it involved 160 preterm infants randomly assigned into the case and control groups (80 neonates in each). Preterm infants in the control group received routine nursing care, while preterm infants in the case group received TKS for 3 periods, 15 minute per day for 7 constitutive days, in addition to routine care. Data was collected using a structured self-designed and validated questionnaire, checklist, and weighting scale. Weight gain and hospital stay were compared between the 2 groups.Results:Over the constitutive 7 days, the case group gained significantly more weight (1071gm versus 1104gm) compared with the control group (1077gm versus 1084gm) (1084.55±90.74) who gained only 6.9gm within the same 7 days without TKS treatment. The mean difference in weight gain was significant (p=0.00). The hospital stay for preterm infants in the case group was significantly shorter (18.05±9.36 versus 25.47±10.25; p=0.00).Conclusion:Tactile kinesthetic stimulation for preterm infants has a beneficial effect on weight gain and earlier discharge from hospital, which are sequentially efficient and cost effective.

Background:The necessity to educate schoolgirls regarding menstruation and appropriate menstrual hygienic practices by using a suitable program especially in schools. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an education program on secondary school girls' menstrual health in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: This study was quasi-experimental (one group pre/posttest). The study was conducted on secondary-school girls, Khartoum, Sudan, from July to August 2018. The school consists of 11 classes for the three levels, the first level 4 classes, second-year 3 classes, and third year 4 classes and the total number is 400 students. One class was chosen randomly from each level (three classes involved). Non-probability sampling technique, a convenient sample of 60 secondary school students was included in the study (20 from each class) 50 students completed the study, and 10 students withdrew. The data were collected by using a validated questionnaire, which consists of three parts, part one is socio-demographic data of the students, part two is student's knowledge about menstruation, and part three student's hygienic practices during menstruation. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20, and appropriate tests were applied. Results: The overall schoolgirls' knowledge was significantly improved from 25% to 76.14% after the intervention and the key source of information was their mothers followed by teachers. The hygienic practice was insignificantly improved from 27% to 39.4% after the intervention. Conclusion: This study concludes that menstrual health education for schoolgirls has significantly improved the knowledge and hygienic practice on menstrual health. Recommendation: It is recommended to conduct further research with a more representative sample that could show the appropriate effect. Consequently, the outcome of this study is a part of the school health program and a base for further interventions at this age group.