The Effect of Oral Glucose and Non-Nutritive Sucking in Reducing Needle-Related Procedural Pain among Infants

Abstract

Background: Pain management in young babies has been largely neglected in more clinical settings, despite subjecting them to painful procedures. However, the non-pharmacological methods as administration of oral glucose and non-nutritive sucking before minor painful procedures may relieve the infants' pain. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral glucose and non-nutritive sucking in reducing needle-related procedural pain among infants. Sampling: A purposive sample of 120 infants was selected by specific criteria and randomly distributed into one control and three experimental groups. Setting: The study was carried out at the Paediatric Emergency Department and Outpatient Clinics at Ain Shams University Children's Hospital and the Immunization Center for Children affiliated to Ministry of Health in Benha City. Tools: The tools used in collecting data classified into: 1) A structured questionnaire sheet directed for infants' caregivers, 2) FLACC behavioral observation scale to assess infant's pain, and 3) Crying time. Results: The results of the study revealed that there were very highly statistically significant differences of total FLACC behavioral score between the experimental groups and the control group after the intervention, as well as, mean of their crying time. Conclusion: This study concluded that, the use of fifty percent oral glucose and non-nutritive sucking is effective in reducing pain for infants undergoing needle related procedures. Recommendation: The study recommended that, oral glucose and non-nutritive sucking should be used in pediatric units as a routine intervention to reduce pain during minor needle related procedures for infants.