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. The present study is a randomized clinical trial carried out in Marand city. 90 low birth weight i nfants 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 (chi-square test and t-test) in 0.0 5% p-value. 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 w ere 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). 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 plan s based on home visits in low birth weight infants.