THE EFFECT OF HOME VISIT ON THE GROWTH INDICES AMONG NEWBORN WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Low birth weight babies compared to normal infants have a lot of physical and
mental problems, and they require proper care to survive and achieve normal growth and development.
Studies suggest that this cares should be continued at home. This study tries to evaluate the effect of
implementing home-visit program application on the growth indices of LBW infants.
Materials & Methods: The present study is a randomized clinical trial carried out in Marand city. 90
low birth weight infants who have inclusion criteria were selected through available sampling, and
they were randomly divided into two groups of control (45), and intervention(45). In the intervention
group, in addition to routine care delivery, the babies received home visit care program once a week
for 45 minutes, one to four weeks after discharge.
The control group received only routine care. Data collection tool included demographic data sheet,
and infant's growth indices form which were completed at birth, the first, second and third weeks. The
data were analyzed via SPSS software v. 15, using descriptive and inferential statistical testes (chisquare test and t-test) in 0.05% p-value.
Results: Average weight of the infants in the intervention group was 2313.08 ± 223.12 grams in the
intervention group, and 2308.84 ± 247.61 grams in the control group. The difference between
variables such as maternal education and income, and birth growth parameters were not significant
between two groups. Average weight and head circumference in the third month were not significant
between the two groups as well. But the average height and chest circumference of newborns in the
intervention and control groups were statistically significant in the third month (P <0.001).
Conclusion: Implementing care plan based on home visits had a positive influence on improving some
growth indicator in low birth weight infants. Therefore, nurses and other neonatal care providers are
suggested to apply care plans based on home visits in low birth weight infants