A Study Assessing the Period Prevalence and Factors Associated With Impaired Skin Integrity Amongst Preterm Newborns Admitted to the Newborn Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The skin is the human body’s first line of protection against pathogens and infections of epidemiological relevance. Most preterm babies receive care the newborn unit and this predisposes them to treatment modalities that increase the risk of impaired skin integrity. Skincare for preterm babies and factors that affect skin integrity has not been well studied especially in the African context. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of impaired skin integrity and to highlight the factors associated with the impaired skin integrity in the preterm new-borns. Objectives: The primary objective was to assess the period prevalence. The secondary objectives were to assess factors associated with impaired skin integrity in preterm babies admitted to the Newborn Unit at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: This was an explanatory sequential mixed-method study, with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Consecutive sampling was used to achieve the sample size of the preterm babies, while purposive sampling was used to recruit the mothers/carers. A survey was conducted among the nurses. Skin assessment of the preterm babies was done weekly, up to day 14 of life. A self-administered questionnaire was used among the nurses, and focused group discussions were conducted among the mothers/carers, to assess their knowledge of preterm skin care. Data Analysis and Presentation: Descriptive statistics were presented as means and standard deviation for continuous variables, and frequency table for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with impaired skin integrity. The qualitative data was analyzed into codes and themes according to the study objectives. Results: The period prevalence of impaired skin integrity was found to be 23.4%, and the factor significantly associated with skin integrity was kangaroo mother care with COR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.16-0.89. Conclusion: The prevalence of impaired skin integrity was low and kangaroo mother care conferred a protective effect.